One must wonder if David De Gea has kept his eye on Sheffield United’s exploits this season, especially considering they are only two points behind with a game in hand.
At Bramall Lane, Dean Henderson has staked his claim as one of the best goalkeepers in the Premier League this season, whilst helping the Blades exceed all expectations and march towards the Champions League spots. The 23-year-old has put in several standout performances on loan from United, performing at arguably a higher level than his Manchester counterpart, De Gea.
Indeed, the Red Devils' number one has struggled the past 12 months and hasn't quite been his usual exceptional self since the 2018 World Cup. A number of high profile blunders have shone a light on him this season, leading to speculation regarding the Spaniard’s place in the team.
Bizarre, right? It was only four seasons ago that Old Trafford went into meltdown over a seemingly done deal to Real Madrid. But, #DaveStayes took over the United headlines once the window had shut.
Whether he truly wanted to depart, or if it was the peculiar fax machine that prevented it all will probably never be told. But, from 2014-2018 there can be very little debate that De Gea was the world's best and without question United's most valuable player, winning an unrivalled four Player of the Season awards.
Winning just one of these as a keeper is something special. Winning four is both ludicrous and simply magical. Now, after a year of slipping into his earlier days of errors and lack of confidence, the Spaniard has been called into question because of Henderson's rise in South Yorkshire.
It’s an interesting debate to be had, and one that would have crossed the minds of the United hierarchy on many occasions this season. Here, we look at why Henderson is being considered, and whether he deserves a shot at Old Trafford.