Manchester United boss Ole Gunnar Solskjaer has explained his decision to drop David De Gea to the bench, with Dean Henderson handed a start against former club Sheffield United.
Henderson spent the last couple of seasons with Chris Wilder’s side, earning plaudits for several impressive performances as the Blades surpassed all expectations.
The 23-year-old was handed a bumper new deal at Old Trafford in the summer, but has been made to wait for Premier League opportunities, making just two appearances due to a De Gea injury.
However, Solskjaer has opted to bring the England international into the XI for the visit to Bramall Lane as United kick-off their festive fixture schedule.
Following Thursday night's game, United have five games in just over two weeks, including an EFL Cup quarter final and Solskjaer has admitted that the visit to the Blades was a game he had always planned to start Henderson in.
"It’s one I had pencilled in for him early on," he said. "I feel Dean is ready as well now to take these games on because he’s played well when he’s played. David did really well against City, it’s not anything to do with that."
Ahead of his reunion with the Blades, Henderson suggested that his inclusion was down to hard work in training, rather than simply because it's his against his former side.
"I’d like to think it’s because I’ve been chipping away, working hard and performed well in the opportunities I’ve had...so let’s see," he said.
“It all come about this morning," Henderson said of his selection. "We don’t know until the day of the game, but I’ve been working hard in training so it’s nice to get the nod.”
In his pre-match press conference, Solskjaer heaped praise on Wilder and his staff for aiding Henderson’s development in his two years with the club.
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"It just shows how beneficial some loan deals are," he said. "Dean has worked his way up through the ranks.
"The two years at Sheffield United has made him more mature - a quality 'keeper. He's had some experiences there, with a great promotion and his year in the Premier League was very valuable for us and him.
"He's made his England debut since he's come back. He's learning more the Man Utd style. Our play is a bit different - we have a couple of different demands of him.
"We're very grateful to Sheffield United and Chris that they've given him a chance to develop as he did."
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