Andy Cole gives view on Man Utd goalkeeper situation as Dean Henderson impresses again

Manchester United legend Andy Cole believes goalkeeper David de Gea will have to “battle” for his No.1 jersey against Dean Henderson.

The Red Devils confirmed their place in the Carabao Cup quarter-finals with a 3-0 win over Brighton on the south coast.

While Donny van de Beek stole the show, an unsung hero for Ole Gunnar Solskjaer was Henderson, who pulled off two incredible saves for a clean sheet.

The Englishman impressed on his two-season loan spell at Sheffield United, leading to speculation he could replace de Gea between the posts.

And Cole, who scored 121 goals in nearly 300 appearances for United as he won the 1998/99 treble, believes Henderson’s latest performance has enhanced his position over de Gea.

Man United legend Andy Cole has given his verdict on the club's goalkeeping situation after Dean Henderson's impressive performance (ANDY RAIN/POOL/AFP via Getty Images)

Speaking on Sky Sports, the said: "I’m not going to be disrespectful to Sheffield United, but playing for Manchester United, you’ve always got to be on your toes.

"For 50-60 minutes you might not touch the ball, then all of a sudden you’ve got to produce a world class save.

"Henderson’s done that so I think he's proven he is a very good goalkeeper and David de Gea’s going to have a battle to stay no1."

United’s second goalkeeper now has two clean sheets from two games, having previously kept Luton out in the previous round.

Will Dean Henderson take David de Gea’s place at Manchester United? Have your say here.

The goalkeeper has now recorded two clean sheets in two games, putting pressure on De Gea for the No.1 shirt (2020 Manchester United FC)

While de Gea is into his 10th season wearing the No.1, making more than 400 appearances.

But the 29-year-old has suffered criticism for errors in recent games, leading to competition between the pair.

And the former forward has warned that the Spaniard only needs to do one thing for his understudy to overtake.

"I think David de Gea’s in a little bit of credit for his previous seasons at Man Utd," Cole added.

And Cole, who won the treble with United, believes the Englishman has now earned a 'battle' for the starting position with the Spaniard (SKY SPORTS)

"I know he always felt fresh every season - season in season out, but he is in a bit of credit.

"I think it’s more what he doesn’t do - if he has a bit of a season like he did last season I think Henderson will definitely get his opportunity."

It comes as Solskjaer has set a new target for his United side after their Carabao Cup win.

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