The return of Dean Henderson from his Sheffield United loan spell has created an extra dimension in Manchester United's goalkeeping department.
That is according to reserve goalkeeper Lee Grant, who came on as a second half substitute for Henderson in United's 1-0 pre-season friendly defeat to Aston Villa on Saturday.
Henderson was one of the Premier League's best goalkeepers last season and has committed himself to United after shining with the Blades. He has given Ole Gunnar Solskjaer a decision to make over his No.1 keeper, with David de Gea the current incumbent.
"It's been great to have [Henderson] back in amongst us," Grant told MUTV after the Villa game, before joking that he was in the mix to take the first choice keeper's role. "David has come back from international duty as sharp as ever... and I've kept a clean sheet today and made the gaffer's job even more difficult for next week!"
Grant then lifted the lid on the positive atmosphere within the goalkeeping department at Old Trafford, with the veteran and Nathan Bishop behind De Gea, Henderson and Sergio Romero in a strong area in Solskjaer's squad.
"It's been great, really good atmosphere within the group." he added.
"The goalkeeping department is no different from any other department. We're all pulling in the right direction, striving to be fit and ready and looking forward to next weekend.
"I imagine for Dean, it gives him huge confidence in himself. That self-belief is all important, especially at a young age. The next test for him is obviously in front of him. He's now committed his future to the football club, which is wonderful news, so it's great for the department: myself, Dean, Sergio, David, Nathan Bishop... it's a long list. We all want to play and do well for the football club and that can only enhance the atmosphere in the group."
"I think it's a good problem to have," Grant added on Solskjaer's dilemma over who to choose as his No.1 in goal.
"He [Solskjaer] has got good individuals, good characters and that's important.
"The four or five of us all understand what it takes, we all want to support each other, but most importantly we all have a determination to be better than the next one. That's crucial and I think that will stand us in good stead over the course of the season.
"There's lots of games to play, so all hands on deck as it were."
