Dean Henderson Henderson expects to join Nottingham Forest permanently and Forest informed him two months ago of their intention to do a £30million deal with United.
For now, Henderson is in a holding pattern as United inch closer to a deal for Inter Milan goalkeeper Andre Onana. Figures at United and Erik ten Hag insist Henderson is an option but that is face-saving to protect his resale value.
Henderson, 26, Premier League-proven, an academy graduate and England international, is one of United's most sellable assets and Forest's Premier League survival ensures there is a willing and patient buyer. Harry Maguire United value Maguire at £50m, which clubs will balk at.
Maguire may be United captain but he started 16 games last season - eight of them in the cups - and he is fifth in their central defensive pecking order.