FORMER Manchester United keeper Chris Turner believes David De Gea’s time at the club will be up if Ole Gunnar Solskjaer benches him against Brighton.
Boss Solskjaer turned to Dean Henderson between the sticks while the Spaniard was back in his native country following the birth of his child.
De Gea, 30, was then forced to quarantine on his return to England and hasn’t featured since a 0-0 draw with Chelsea on February 28.
And 24-year-old Henderson has taken his chance with both hands having kept seven clean sheets in his last nine appearances.
Solskjaer now has a huge decision on his hands once the international break is over – one that former stopper Turner believes could have a big impact on De Gea’s future.
Turner, who played 80 games for United in the 1980s, told the Mirror: “Henderson looks like he could be United’s keeper for the next 10 years.
“I’m not sure when the shift will come, but if Dean keeps his place against Brighton after the international break the writing will be on the wall for De Gea.
“Let’s be clear, though, De Gea has done nothing wrong. He is still a world-class keeper and has proved himself time and again.”
Turner, who made 64 appearances for United in the 80s, added: “You can’t just dismiss what he has given United in the last ten years.
“But he’s not had any real competition in that time. When you know you’re going to be playing week in week out your standards can slip.
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“All of a sudden Dean has emerged as a genuine threat and is proving himself a capable keeper who will only get better with more experience.
“There’s no way De Gea will want to play second fiddle to a younger keeper so maybe he’ll look to move back to Spain in the next 12 months.
“I still think he’ll want to force his way back in, but this is where Solskjaer’s man management will be vital.”
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Source: Soccer - thesun.co.uk
