Manchester United goalkeeper Dean Henderson has been forced to face up to a harsh Old Trafford reality with his imminent transfer to Nottingham Forest.
Reports have suggested that the Red Devils’ stopper is edging towards a switch to the City Ground, with the newly-promoted side having agreed a loan switch whilst they are set to retain the option to make the move permanent for £20m.
In all, the switch to the East-Midlands would be Henderson’s sixth loan spell away from Old Trafford since the start of his career having also represented Stockport County, Grimsby Town, Shrewsbury Town and Sheffield United on two occasions. Whilst those previous spells away from the club allowed the young stopper to accumulate valuable first-team experience, his anticipated move to Forest signals a landmark moment in Henderson’s career.
The prospect of a permanent switch to Nottingham could potentially see the 25-year-old finally depart the club having previously expressed his desire at usurping David de Gea as the Red Devils’ number one despite having admitted that the Spaniard was deserving of his place.
Speaking last season, he said: "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.
"The fans have to remember what he's [De Gea] done for the last nine years - he's been phenomenal. He's probably been the best player at United for that time period. He should get another opportunity."
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Of course, Henderson did get an opportunity to finally establish himself at Old Trafford during the 2020/21 season following impressive displays with Sheffield United. He made 26 appearances throughout the campaign as he vied with De Gea to be the club’s number one - 13 of which came in the Premier League.
That form was enough for him to earn international recognition having made an appearance for England from the bench in a 3-0 victory over the Republic of Ireland.
Since then though, he was not quite able to remain in contention having made just three appearances last term under both Ole Gunnar Solskjaer and Ralf Rangnick. Should he move to Forest though, then he will be likely to become the club’s number one as Steve Cooper’s men aim to stave off the threat of relegation.
Current first choice Brice Samba has been linked with a move away from the club this summer having rejected the offer of a new contract at the City Ground. His current deal is set to expire at the end of next season.
Henderson's departure would be the first major sale of the Erik ten Hag era at Old Trafford. The likes of Paul Pogba, Nemanja Matic, Jesse Lingard and Juan Mata have all departed the club at the end of their deals with Henderson being the first to potentially be sold for a considerable cash amount.
