Why Man Utd turned down Watford’s loan move for Dean Henderson | OneFootball

Manchester United blocked Dean Henderson’s potential loan move to Watford on transfer deadline day as they had insufficient time to pursue a back-up option.

The 24-year-old was linked with a temporary move away from Old Trafford last month. Newcastle United were initially touted as the favourites to land his signature.

However, it was the Hornets who made a late loan approach for him. The move did not materialise as United had no time to pursue a possible replacement, Manchester Evening News reports.

Our view:

Henderson has played second fiddle to David de Gea in goal this term. He has been restricted to just two appearances.

One was in the Carabao Cup, while the other was in a dead-rubber Champions League game.

There were no surprises that he wanted to head for the exit door. The England international could now face an extended spell on the bench with interim boss Ralf Rangnick expected to prefer De Gea.

The 31-year-old has made some goalkeeping blunders over the past few seasons, but he has redeemed himself and been almost faultless between the sticks.

The Spain international has single-handedly kept United in several games with splendid saves. He should be a firm favourite to win the club’s Player of the Season award.

Barring injuries, Henderson could stay on the bench. He may feature in the FA Cup, but Rangnick preferred De Gea in goal for the third-round tie against Aston Villa last month.

United could have loaned out Henderson last night, but the move would have been risky, given third-choice goalkeeper Tom Heaton has played just one competitive game in 24 months.

Henderson’s future will now be assessed over the summer. He may push for a permanent move elsewhere if he does not receive assurances of regular game time under the next manager.

Stats from Transfermarkt.com.