Manchester United Football Club have themselves a serious David de Gea issue, with concerns only continuing to grow. Paul Merson believes he has the answer…
A couple of years ago, David de Gea was unquestionably the finest goalkeeper in the world. The superstar Spaniard was unbeatable in a one-on-one situation and time-and-time again he’d make unreal saves that’d literally leave you open-mouthed.
However, over the last two seasons, Manchester United’s number one has been on a gradual decline. The mistakes have started creeping into his game more and more, while his flaws are being highlighted pretty frequently.
Sure, De Gea has never been the most commanding goalkeeper. You can tolerate that when he’s making those insane saves. But when the 30-year-old is dropping clangers in every other game, it becomes an issue…
Against Everton, De Gea was the reason why United didn’t take all three points. It was his poor spill out that gave Everton a way back into the game, while he simply bottled it when given a chance to put his body on the line to secure a victory.
As you’d imagine, the fans weren’t happy. They’re not the only ones, with ex-players and pundits now having their say. It seemed like an inevitable link to make, but Paul Merson has urged the Red Devils to change things up and give Dean Henderson his shot.
The emerging 23-year-old has remained patient but as De Gea continues to struggle, perhaps the time is now…
Check out what Merson had to say about the Henderson vs De Gea debate here:
“You could try to get Dean Henderson into the team while there’s no crowds. That could get him a bit of confidence because you don’t want to put him in maybe next season when all of a sudden there’s 75,000 people there.” Merson told Sky Sports.
“He’d be under severe pressure straightaway. If you put Henderson in the team, are you going to allow him to make four mistakes?
De Gea has been great and at one stage he was the best goalie in the world. He’s not anymore. Jesse Lingard was one of the first names on the England teamsheet three years ago, now he’s going on loan to West Ham.”
“Time moves on. When you’re manager of Manchester United, you have to make big decisions. If you don’t make them, and they keep coming back to haunt you then something’s wrong.”
Henderson has looked pretty good when given the opportunity for United, while his year at Sheffield United had people talking him up as one of the best in the country.
When making a decision like this, it cannot be taken lightly. De Gea has been the lifeblood of this team for many years and you don’t want to see him go out in a negative way. However, you have to be ruthless in football and Solskjaer has to make a bold call, either way, and stick to his guns.
Personally, I’d go with Henderson and see what he’s got. Give the young Englishman a real run in the team. If he doesn’t put a foot wrong, you have your long-term answer to your goalkeeping solutions. If Hendo struggles, at least you’ve given it a shot and United will know that they may have to go out there and sign someone else.
It could all start tomorrow night for Henderson as he was likely to start against West Ham in the FA Cup anyway…
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