Dean Henderson has been tipped to leave Manchester United on loan in the January transfer window, after becoming David de Gea's understudy this season.
Former England goalkeeper Paul Robison claims ‘nobody expected ’ the Spaniard to regain his position as the club’s number one.
Henderson has made just one appearance so far this season, in last month's Carabao Cup defeat to West Ham. Meanwhile, De Gea looks back to his best and has started all of the club's Premier League and Champions League fixtures.
The Spanish stopper’s form and consistency has been questioned in recent seasons, however Robinson believes De Gea is still one of the best keepers around.
“De Gea is back to his best and when he’s at his best, he’s one of the world’s best,” he told Football Insider.
“I don’t think anybody at Manchester United expected it. I think they expected Dean Henderson to be the number one for most of this season.
“[Tom] Heaton was signed in the summer and after that I thought De Gea would be allowed to leave in January. Out of the three, I thought De Gea would be the most likely to leave.
“Heaton is an excellent goalkeeper and would be a very capable number two at United. Neither De Gea or Henderson would be happy sitting on the bench.
“Henderson’s situation at the beginning of the season gave De Gea an opportunity and he took it with both hands. He has never looked back.
“United have a real problem now. I cannot see Henderson leaving permanently because I think he’s the long-term solution for them. It is not an ideal situation having him sat on the bench though so I think he’ll go out on loan. Henderson needs to play with a World Cup coming up.”
