Ole Gunnar Solskjaer admits Dean Henderson is “not the most patient guy” as Manchester United’s back-up goalkeeper continues to try and prove he is worthy of a bigger role at Old Trafford.
Having spent loan spells at Stockport, Grimsby, Shrewsbury and Sheffield United, the 23-year-old has supplanted Sergio Romero as back-up to David De Gea after impressing during two seasons with the Blades.
Henderson was rewarded with a new and improved contract upon returning to United in the summer, tying the academy graduate down until at least 2025.
The Cumbrian has since made 10 first-team appearances for United and last month admitted that “being sat on the bench is not something I want to do all the time, so that’s been the hardest bit”.
Henderson looks set to make another appearance in Tuesday’s FA Cup fifth-round clash with West Ham, when he can stake his claim days after De Gea’s disappointing display in the 3-3 Premier League draw with Everton.
“Dean has done very well when he’s got the chance and he’s matured,” United manager Solskjaer said. “For me, he’s developed his game.
“I know he’s not played as many games as he would’ve done last season, but you see every game when he plays and in training his improvement, working hard on a couple of aspects that we’ve spoke about with him.
“I’ve been impressed with his attitude and workrate. Of course he’s, how to say… he’s not the most patient guy.
“He wants to play every game because he knows that he’ll perform well, so long may it continue because he’s improved since he’s come here.”
Meanwhile, highly-rated teenager Shola Shoretire has signed his first professional deal with Manchester United.
The forward put pen to paper after turning 17 last Tuesday and scored a hat-trick as the Under-23s beat Blackburn 6-4 on Friday evening.
The PA news agency understands that Shoretire trained with Solskjaer’s squad on Monday, having previously been part of United’s first-team bubble for a period over Christmas.
