Henderson pens long new deal at Manchester United

We have a proper battle for the starting goalkeeper spot at Old Trafford.

If you had any doubts before Wednesday, they should evaporate with the news that Dean Henderson has signed a new six-year deal with the Red Devils.

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Henderson has starred on loan thrice, twice in high-profile spots with Sheffield United. Another loan may be on the docket for Henderson, but might he get a chance to outshine De Gea this summer and fall?

Now 23, Henderson returns to Manchester United with an armload of accolades. He was named to the PFA’s League One Team of the Year while getting Shrewsbury Town promoted in 2017-18, won the Championship Golden Glove when the Blades were promoted in 2018-19, and nearly led the club to Europe in its first PL season.

How good was he this season? WhoScored.com dropped a stat that screams anything but “product of the system,” noting that of goalkeepers who made 25 or more Premier League appearances last season, his 75.2% save success rate was the top of the pops.

Here’s what Manchester United manager Ole Gunnar Solskjaer said about the signing, not tipping his hand too much. From ManUtd.com:

“We are in a strong position within the goalkeeping department and that gives us the competition for places that we are looking for in the squad. Dean is another great example of the type of player who has come through the Academy and truly understands what it means to be at Manchester United. We are all looking forward to working with Dean and continuing to develop his talent.”

The biggest question will be how Henderson does with his feet, as Blades boss Chris Wilder had his keeper do hammer plenty of long balls out of the back. Who do you think wins the job? And where might Henderson go if he needs to leave on loan for a No. 1 shirt?