Ole Gunnar Solskjaer has made himself look a fool after his indecisiveness derailed his own prophecy about Dean Henderson’s Manchester United career. Henderson has completed a £20million transfer to Crystal Palace, ending a 12-year stay at Old Trafford, according to reports.
The Manchester Evening News claim all that’s left is an official announcement after Henderson put pen to paper on a switch to Selhurst Park.
And while the 26-year-old will leave with a sense of relief that he can fulfil his destiny as a full-time Premier League No 1.
He is bound to carry regret for making just 29 appearances for United when it seemed like he was in line for a much more prominent role.
Henderson’s time came under Solskjaer, who handed him a more prominent role in the 2020/21 season after two eye-catching loan spells at Sheffield United.
In the latter stages of the campaign, Henderson was starting Premier League games over De Gea, and in the summer of 2021, was informed that he would start 2021/22 as Solskjaer’s first choice.
The Norwegian boss’ previous public prediction of Henderson’s future as United No 1 added to the belief that it was his time to overthrow De Gea.
“For me, it doesn’t matter when the season ends. The Sheffield United team this season has consisted of Dean in goal, so he should be allowed to complete it,” Solskjaer explained in June 2020.
“It’s not been decided in terms of where Dean is going to be next season. This season has proved a great experience for him.
“He’s done himself some favours with his performances and proved he will be England’s no 1 and Man United’s no 1 at some point.
“It’s not my job to keep the players happy or in the team or out of it. Part of it is their responsibility to perform and do well.
“Dean has made some great choices over the years and developed fantastically – and still is.”
But after Henderson contracted Covid-19 while on England duty at the European Championship, ‘prolonged fatigue’ meant De Gea started the 21/22 campaign and kept his place.
Henderson spent the season on the bench, making just five appearances, and burned bridges with many United fans with a rant on talkSPORT after joining Nottingham Forest on loan last term.
Andre Onana’s £47m arrival this summer sealed Henderson’s fate, and Fenerbahce’s Altay Bayindir is set to simultaneously arrive as his replacement.