Dean Henderson can achieve Manchester United dream with Nottingham Forest loan move

It was not all that long ago that it appeared a sure bet that Dean Henderson would be starting the 2022/23 Premier League campaign as Newcastle's first choice goalkeeper.

Instead, the Manchester United shot-stopper will start the campaign by facing Newcastle in the colours of newly-promoted Nottingham Forest on the opening day of the season, at St James' Park. The goalkeeper is very close to completing a season-long loan move to the City Ground, getting some much-needed regular first-team football.

Henderson is currently away on his honeymoon and will be relishing the move to Nottingham. It will be his first loan spell away from Old Trafford since spending a second season with Sheffield United in 2019/20.

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The shot-stopper, after frequently battling David de Gea for the starting gloves throughout the Covid-hit 2020/21 campaign, was in a strong position to oust the Spaniard as United's first choice goalkeeper ahead of the start of last season. However, his chances were derailed after he contracted Covid-19 and took several weeks to battle and overcome the illness.

De Gea started the campaign and never once looked in danger of losing his place, producing a string of fine performances. In a season filled with misery and frequent disappointments, he was one of few to emerge with any credit.

It is why the Spaniard, although doubts have been cast about his distribution, deserves the chance to retain his place as United No.1 under new manager Erik ten Hag. It would be wrong, after such an encouraging 2021/22 campaign, for the former Atletico Madrid goalkeeper to be demoted.

Therefore, it is in everyone's best interests, not