DAVID DE GEA must improve or lose his Manchester United No1 spot to Dean Henderson this season, Andy Cole claims.
But for now Old Trafford legend Cole believes Spain keeper De Gea has banked enough “credit” from his nine years at United to fend off England hopeful Henderson.
Dean Henderson is pressing for David De Gea’s Man Utd No1 shirt after two Carabao Cup clean sheets, here thwarting Brighton’s Leandro TrossardCredit: Rex Features
Andy Cole thinks David De Gea has earned the right to stay Man Utd’s first-choice Prem keeper but can’t afford mistakes like last termCredit: Rex Features
Former Sheffield United loan sensation Henderson has yet to concede a goal for United after returning in the summer.
But those two games were 3-0 Carabao Cup wins with weakened line-ups, at Luton last Tuesday and Brighton nine days later.
And the 23-year-old, capped 11 times at Under-21 level, has yet to play for United in the Premier League.
In contrast, De Gea has followed up arguably his most erratic term for United by letting in five goals in their opening two Prem matches this campaign, a 3-1 home loss to Crystal Palace and last Saturday’s controversial 3-2 triumph at Brighton.
If De Gea has a season like he did last, I think Henderson will definitely get his opportunity.
Andy Cole
Dean Henderson shut out Brighton in Man Utd’s 3-0 Carabao Cup victory on WednesdayCredit: Getty Images – Getty
Cole, though, told Sky Sports: “I think David de Gea’s in a little bit of credit for his previous seasons at Man Utd.
“I know he always felt fresh every season – season in season out, but he is in a bit of credit.
“I think it’s more what he doesn’t do – if he has a bit of a season like he did last season I think Henderson will definitely get his opportunity.”
Hungry Henderon brilliantly foiled Leandro Trossard on his otherwise comfortable night against the Seagulls on Wednesday.
But Cole warned him: “I’m not going to be disrespectful to Sheffield United, but playing for Manchester United, you’ve always got to be on your toes.
“For 50-60 minutes you might not touch the ball, then all of a sudden you’ve got to produce a world class save.
“Henderson’s done that so I think he’s proven he is a very good goalkeeper and David de Gea’s going to have a battle to stay no1.”
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Source: Soccer - thesun.co.uk
