Former Premier League goalkeeper Shaka Hislop has backed Dean Henderson to replace David de Gea at Manchester United when he returns from his loan spell at Sheffield United, per ESPN via The Daily Express.

What’s he said?

Henderson has been in astonishing form at Bramall Lane this season.

He has made 27 appearances in the Premier League, keeping 10 clean sheets, second to only Burnley’s Nick Pope.

De Gea, by comparison, has eight clean sheets to his name, though he has also made three errors leading to goals – only Newcastle United’s Martin Dubravka has made more.

And Hislop believes that Henderson will swiftly be installed as the club’s No.1 this summer, with de Gea tipped to leave Old Trafford.

He said: “The thing for me is, I’m happy to have Henderson between the sticks for Manchester United.

“I think he’s shown more than enough that he is ready to inherit a big pair of gloves left by David de Gea, who’s simply been outstanding but has not been himself for the last couple of years.

“The big question for de Gea is getting him out and I’ve said that I’m not sure who takes David de Gea, this David de Gea, now with the money that he’s on.

“So unless you are willing to pick up a significant chunk of his wages, I’m not sure how you get him out the door. Let’s just assume you can, so I’m saying David de Gea will go. Again, we’re making a huge assumption there. I think Henderson is ready.”

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A tough choice

United face a significant issue here.

De Gea has put in the hours to become the club’s first-choice, and one of their best players of the past decade. He has made 394 appearances for the club since 2011, keeping 138 clean sheets.

Henderson, by comparison, has yet to make his senior debut for the club.

However, he is showing at the Blades that he is a top-class goalkeeper who needs to be given an opportunity when he returns to Manchester.

He is valued at £16.2m by Transfermarkt but this is a 23-year-old goalkeeper who is yet to peak.

United have a straight choice: Henderson or de Gea.

Whoever wins, there is going to be a casualty.

Meanwhile, United could pull off a major coup if they sign this European ace!