Dean Henderson's Manchester United future could be dealt a further blow after David de Gea made comments about a prolonged stay at Old Trafford.
The Spaniard has cemented the No 1 spot and is enjoying one of his best seasons in years.
It has left Henderson rooted to the bench with opportunities coming at a premium.
The England goalkeeper, who has since fallen out of the international picture due to a lack of minutes, has made just three appearances for United.
Not a single one of those has come in the Premier League, which underlines his understudy status.
Henderson enjoyed a rapid rise during two years at Sheffield United, proving he could cut it in the top flight after the Blades' promotion in 2019.
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He return to Manchester in 2020 which his sights on usurping De Gea, who had been copping plenty of criticism.
United however placed a huge show of faith in the Spaniard, signing him to a new lucrative deal until 2023.
De Gea has now spoken about extending his stay in Manchester would will leave Henderson very much at a crossroads.
A brick wall
The 24-year-old has never been under any illusions of the type of challenge facing him at Old Trafford.
De Gea has been the club's No 1 since he was signed by Sir Alex Ferguson back in 2011.
Henderson has never been one of play down his own ambitions, speaking about the possibility of becoming United's first choice shotstopper.
He told TV3 back in 2020: "I think it's clear for everyone to know. I want to play for Manchester United and England.
"It feels like I always hit a brick wall. Maybe I'll get the opportunity [to play for Man Utd], maybe I won't, then I'll have to look down a different avenue.
"I'm a young lad. I'm working hard. I'm a fan of the club and I want to play for them. Hopefully I have a career at Man Utd like David de Gea has."
If the current first choice does decide to remain where he is then Henderson may well have to explore that different avenue he previously spoke about.
De Gea's plan
This summer the 31-year-old will have just 12 months remaining on his deal in Manchester.
It would leave him - and the club - with a decision to make regarding their next move.
A prolonged stay would almost certainly push Henderson towards the exit door as he seeks regular game time.
But De Gea's latest confession would point towards him remaining in the Premier League.
He said: "Where you are loved and welcomed is your home. I've been here for many years and, obviously, anything can happen in life, in the world of football, but honestly I don't see myself away from Manchester United."
Whether he stays or goes may well depend on the next managerial appointment but De Gea is certainly in a strong position.
Ralf Rangnick is not expected to be in charge beyond the current campaign with Mauricio Pochettino among the favourites to take over.
Goalkeepers have become increasingly influential in the modern game but, barring a huge culture shift on the pitch, De Gea will remain at the club.
Rangnick's call
Henderson has grown frustrated by his situation at Old Trafford.
He was given a brief run as the club's first choice last season under Ole Gunnar Solskjaer.
De Gea was back in Spain due to the birth of his child and was allowed to remain away which allowed Henderson to step in.
By the end of the campaign De Gea had regained his starting role and played in the Europa League final defeat in Gdansk.
Henderson was looking to leave Manchester in January, be it on loan or permanently, and wasn't short of suitors.
However Rangnick wasn't prepared to leave himself short and vetoed any chances of the goalkeeper leaving.
“A couple of weeks ago he asked me but I told him I’d rather have him stay until the end of the season,” the German told talkSPORT last month.
“We are very happy with our goalkeepers but if it’s up to me I wouldn’t want him to leave.”
United have Lee Grant and Tom Heaton on their books but still wanted to keep Henderson, which leaves them with four goalkeepers.
Henderson's dilemma and potential problem lies in a long-term contract he signed which has tied him down until 2025.
