Ole Gunnar Solskjaer's final season at the helm of Manchester United was a disastrous one for a number of reasons, but one standout error was his indecisiveness.
The Norwegian is reported to have told plenty of players that they were in his plans in the summer of 2021, only for many of them to find their game-time either drastically reduced or incredibly limited. One of those situations was when the time came for Solskjaer to pick his number one goalkeeper.
The back end of the previous season saw Dean Henderson enjoy a run as United's first-choice shot-stopper in the Premier League. However, after injury ruled him out of Euro 2020 with England and a bout of Covid-19, the former Sheffield United loanee had lost his place to stalwart David de Gea.
Speaking during the opening exchanges of last season, Solskjaer admitted he hadn't yet made his mind up as to who would be the regular presence between the sticks moving forward.
"David has started really well. It has been very unfortunate for Dean that he has had Covid and illness, but he’s getting better," the former United boss explained. "Dean is getting some games and will probably play more Under-23 games just to catch up from what he’s lost.
"I am very pleased with David – his attitude and everything. I am happy with the goalkeeping department. I am not going to say here whether I am going to keep David going or Dean is going to come in. David has shown his qualities, so, of course, it’s a decision to be made further along the line when Dean is 100 percent."
Henderson eventually returned to full fitness, but played just three games all season - none of which came in the Premier League. All of them actually came under the guidance of Solskjaer's interim successor Ralf Rangnick.
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Due to Solskjaer's dithering over a decision, Henderson has lost a full season of development and while he may not like the latest update on his United future - it will certainly give him more playing time.
New manager Erik ten Hag is reportedly willing to let Henderson leave the club on loan without even watching him in pre-season training as newly promoted Nottingham Forest declare their interest in the England international.
Newcastle United had also previously been in the race to sign Henderson on a permanent basis, but a temporary stint at the City Ground next term now looks like the most obvious destination.
The switch is likely to be the best chance for Henderson to eventually play his way back into the United first-team fold long-term.
