Home Manchester United OGS says impending debutant looks like ‘proper’ Man Utd player
Date published: Sunday 13th September 2020 10:11
Solskjaer has “a proper Man United keeper” on his hands. And Van de Beek was “the biggest plus”.
Ole Gunnar Solskjaer believes Dean Henderson has the profile of “a proper Man United keeper”.
Henderson joined Man United as part of their academy set-up in 2011, but has yet to make his first competitive appearance for the club.
The 23-year-old has spent time at four different clubs on loan throughout the leagues, most notably across two seasons with Sheffield United.
His impressive performances at Bramall Lane have earned him the opportunity to challenge David de Gea for a starting spot at Old Trafford this season, and Solskjaer was full of praise despite a 1-0 pre-season defeat to Aston Villa.
“The result wasn’t the main thing,” he told MUTV. “Some positives, as well though: some good positives, some individual positives.
“I thought Deano showed his authority back there and he plays as a proper Man United keeper, especially second half.”
Solskjaer also spoke highly of teenage defender Teden Mengi, who made his professional bow in the Europa League last month, while summer signing Donny van de Beek caught his eye.
“You see Teden when he comes on, what an exciting prospect he is,” he said.
“Donny was maybe the biggest plus in the outfield. He’s such a finder of space and he creates time for himself with his timing and movement. I was very happy with his performance.”
Ollie Watkins scored the only goal of the game for new club Villa as both teams used their weekend off to continue preparations for the season.
Solskjaer explained that the result was far less important than the “valuable minutes” his players received.
“We said at half-time that we were playing some great football at times and getting into some fantastic positions, but there was a lack of sharpness and maybe a lack of lungs because it’s early doors,” he reiterated.
“But we need to be more clinical, we need to score those goals because then you go home happy. Then again, the result wasn’t the main thing.”