‘He has all the physical attributes you need… plus that cockiness and confidence': Ex-Man United coach Eric Steele reveals Dean Henderson is ready to challenge David de Gea for No 1 spot after Sheffield United loan
* The 22-year-old shot stopper is enjoying his second spell on loan at Bramall lane
* Dean Henderson's form has even earned him a call up from Gareth Southgate
* Ex Manchester United goalkeeping coach Eric Steele has lauded his abilities
Former Manchester United goalkeeping coach Eric Steele has tipped Sheffield United loanee Dean Henderson to challenge for the number one spot at Old Trafford.
The 22-year-old was pivotal in helping the Blades gain promotion from the Championship last season and has kept three clean sheets this year - earning himself an England call up.
And Steele, who left United after David Moyes took over as manager in 2013, thinks the youngster has what it takes to succeed at one of the world's biggest clubs.
Eric Steele has tipped Sheffield United's Dean Henderson to challenge de Gea at Old Trafford. Henderson's form has even earned him a call up from Gareth Southgate to the England squad
'He has all the physical attributes you need,' Steele told The Athletic. 'Plus that cockiness and confidence about him. He sees himself as the biggest challenger to David De Gea at Manchester United and I love that. Even though he is not at the club right now.
'I have no problems with that. He is doing the right thing and getting experience at a good club. He is still a young keeper. Peter Schmeichel didn't come to Old Trafford until he was 28. David De Gea was the exception at 19 or 20. I have said this to Dean privately. He is still a young keeper.'
Henderson's form for Chris Wilder's side saw him called up for international duty, earning a spot in Gareth Southgate's England squad for the ongoing Euro 2020 qualifiers, following the withdrawal of Tom Heaton due to injury.
The Whitehaven-born star was also loaned to Sheffield United last season from Old Trafford, keeping 21 clean sheets in 46 games.
Steele said Henderson knows his parent club are keeping an eye on him.
'Knowing Dean as I do, what he will be thinking is, 'Richard Hartis (Manchester United's senior goalkeeping coach) and Ole Gunnar (Solskjaer), please keep sending your scouts to Sheffield United.
'He knows he is being watched,' the 65-year-old said.
United's current number one David de Gea has performed under-par in his side's torrid start to the Premier League season, keeping just two clean sheets in eight games.
However, the Spaniard signed a new four-year deal last month and United also have strong understudies in Argentina keeper Sergio Romero and seasoned veteran Lee Grant, but Steele insists Henderson 'knows what is required'.
'But Richard Hartis will be asking, 'Who is going to challenge De Gea?' I am sure Dean will be thinking he can be the number one at Manchester United,' he added.
Henderson previously earned plaudits on loan at Stockport, Grimsby and Shrewsbury and this season has a save rate of 76.67%, higher than De Gea.
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