Roy Keane says Dean Henderson’s display in Sunday’s derby win demonstrated he is ready to rival David de Gea as Manchester United’s first choice goalkeeper.
Henderson returned to United last summer after two good loan spells at Sheffield, but has played second fiddle to De Gea this campaign.
With the Spanish keeper returning to his homeland to attend the birth of his daughter, Henderson has been handed the opportunity to stake his claim for a promotion this week.
He was Solskjaer for the role he played in helping to preserve a point in Tuesday’s draw against Crystal Palace and retained his place, with De Gea still absent, for Sunday’s derby at the Etihad.
Henderson produced another assured performance as the Red devils blunted a Man City attack which has been on fire this campaign.
Keane has been a regular critic of De Gea’s display recently and after watching Henderson play well in such a high-profile game, he hinted a change could be imminent.
He told Sky Sports: ‘The goalkeeper was excellent. Ole used the word ‘nice presence about him’ that’s what all the top goalkeepers have and I think this kid has got a great chance of being a brilliant goalkeeper for Man Utd.’
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As well as making several good saves, Hendreson also played a vital role in Luke Shaw’s match winning goal five minutes after the restart when his adventurous throw set the United defender on a run which ended with the player playing a left-footed shot past Ederson.
Keane added: ‘I thought it was an excellent goal and a very good throw from the goalkeeper because he puts a bit of pace on it in front of Shaw.
‘He forces Shaw to come onto it. I think the throw forces Shaw onto it. It’s not as if he throws it behind Shaw and the keeper’s been excellent the whole game.
‘Nice body language he looks comfortable. He’s putting him on the front foot. Credit to Shaw after that.
