MANCHESTER UNITED’S fourth-choice goalkeeper Lee Grant joked he’s made Ole Gunnar Solskjaer’s dilemma “even more difficult” after his 15-minute clean sheet against Aston Villa.
Grant, 37, is behind David De Gea, Dean Henderson and Sergio Romero in the pecking order at Old Trafford and featured just once last season.
Lee Grant joked he could be in contention to battle Dean Henderson and David De Gea for the goalkeeper spot at Manchester UnitedCredit: Getty – Contributor
But he came on for Henderson for the final part of the 1-0 pre-season friendly defeat to Villa on Saturday.
Ollie Watkins finished past the ex-Sheffield United loanee for the only goal of the game as the Villa attack found no way past Grant.
And the former Derby, Burnley and Sheffield Wednesday stopper teased his boss into considering starting him against Crystal Palace next weekend.
He told MUTV: “I thought he [Henderson] did fantastically well.
“David’s come back from international duty as sharp as ever.
“And I’ve kept a clean sheet today and made the gaffer’s job even more difficult next week.”
Solskjaer is still weighing up whether to go with De Gea or Henderson.
The Spaniard was prone to errors last term but is on £375,000 a week at Old Trafford while 23-year-old Henderson excelled for two seasons at Bramall Lane and just penned a fresh long-term contract.
Henderson played the majority of the pre-season friendly at Villa Park but did concede to Ollie Watkins before Grant’s cameo
Henderson played most of the game at Villa Park, his first senior appearance for the Red Devils, but was largely unworked and was not at fault for the Watkins winner.
He did, though, show good handling and distribution as well as offering a commanding presence behind the defence.
Solskjaer added: “I thought Deano showed his authority back there and he plays as a proper Manchester United keeper, especially second half.”
But former United hero Gary Neville reckons trouble is brewing over the goalkeeper situation.
He told Sky Sports: “The idea that Dean Henderson would come into Manchester United and replace David De Gea as No1 goalkeeper straight away… it won’t happen, I can guarantee it won’t happen.
“This has got ‘problem’ written all over it. The one area of the pitch where you need consistency and stability is your goalkeeper, you need to know who your No1 is, you cannot be flip-flopping.
“It just does not work. I’ve never seen it work at any club or at international level.
“Where there is a decision to be made about two goalkeepers you have to pick your No1, go with him and stick with him, even if there is a mistake.”
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Source: Soccer - thesun.co.uk
