Noel Whelan insists Newcastle United could still be the perfect club for Manchester United outcast Dean Henderson despite Ole Gunnar Solskjaer’s departure.
Dean Henderson has become a frustrated figure at Old Trafford following a solid start to the season by David de Gea. The English goalkeeper was deservedly rewarded last season by Ole Gunnar Solskjaer after an excellent loan spell at Sheffield United.
However, the Spaniard’s form and a lack of game time have forced Henderson to think over his future at Manchester United. Owing to his quality performances last season, there won’t be a shortage of suitors for the stopper, with Tottenham inking their name as the latest club interested in his services.
Spurs are looking at options to replace long-serving captain Hugo Lloris and have been linked with Jordan Pickford and Andre Onana in recent weeks. Recently, Henderson’s name was suggested to Tottenham for their consideration and considering the Manchester United outcast’s price tag compared to Pickford’s, he could well be an affordable, quality target.
However, Newcastle United are also thought to be among those keen on signing the goalkeeper. With Eddie Howe entering his first transfer window as the new Magpies boss, he has been reportedly handed a sizeable kitty to sign reliable stars. Henderson is understandably one of Newcastle’s important targets, as a move reckons.
The Magpies are winless in the Premier League, and much criticism has been directed towards their defensive performances. Alan Shearer recently criticised the display of Karl Darlow, and the former Newcastle great believes a change might be incoming.
Noel Whelan has told Football Insider that a move for Henderson makes complete sense for Newcastle. He suggested the departure of Solskjaer might play into the outcast’s mind, although he is convinced Henderson cannot find a way past de Gea this season, with the Spaniard, set to remain no.1 under Michael Carrick for now.
Whelan said, “Newcastle might be worried about getting Henderson now that Solskjaer has left United. But will his mind have changed? Probably not. I still think De Gea will be number one. Henderson will be firmly fixed on playing regular football to get himself back into that England set-up, and Newcastle would be a brilliant move for him.”
“He’d be number one at Newcastle, and that’s the responsibility he needs to start pushing and knocking down the door of Gareth Southgate. De Gea’s a big name, hasn’t done a great deal wrong. I’m sure he’s not going to get in ahead of him even when a new manager comes in.”
What remains to be seen is if Henderson chooses to stay put at Old Trafford to fight for his place in the Manchester United goalkeeping department following the departure of Ole Gunnar Solskjaer or if he has his head turned by a prospective offer by Newcastle United.
