Southgate supports Henderson's Manchester United decision

England manager Gareth Southgate has backed Dean Henderson to remain at Manchester United and challenge David de Gea for the number one goalkeeping role.

Henderson has returned to Old Trafford after impressing on loan at Sheffield United last season, his exploits earning a new five-year contract in Manchester.

The 23-year-old, who has been included in Southgate's squad for England's Nations League fixtures against Iceland and Denmark, is in line to compete with United star De Gea for starting honours.

Southgate feels the time is right for Henderson to challenge himself at the Theatre of Dreams following two successful seasons with Sheffield United.

"I think it's an opportunity for him really, " Southgate said. "Of course, he could take another season out and gain another year of Premier League experience but at his age as a goalkeeper you can't just think about the international situation. 

"You are building a career and here's an opportunity to challenge for the shirt at Manchester United if they are asking him to stay in the building.

"If I was him and I had the chance to push to be the Manchester United number one, then I'd make the same decision he has. He's got the chance to train every day in front of the manager, to influence him and put David de Gea under pressure for his place.

"I think for his career it's a logical decision given the number of matches United will have next season."

Southgate's England will face Iceland on September 5 before clashing with Denmark three days later in a Group A2 doubleheader in the 2020-21 Nations League. England have not played since their 4-0 rout of Kosovo in November due to the coronavirus pandemic.

After signing his new deal with the Red Devils, Henderson was quick to thank Sheffield and declare his ambition to play regularly for Ole Gunnar Solskjaer's side moving forward. 

"The pathway that I have been on for the past five years has been fantastic for my development and the invaluable loan period at Sheffield United has been part of that," he said

"The goalkeeping department at United is excellent; there are three top-level goalkeepers who have achieved so much in the game and I look forward to working with the group.  The faith that the manager and the club have shown in me with this contract means a lot to me and will continue my progression as a goalkeeper.

"I’ll be giving everything to improve every day so that I can play as many games as possible for this great club. Now I am looking forward to joining up with the England squad and then preparing for the season ahead."