Dean Henderson won't return to Man Utd to serve as a David de Gea backup, warns Chris Wilder

Dean Henderson will not return to Manchester United to play back-up to David de Gea.

Chris Wilder claims the on-loan Sheffield United goalkeeper has no intention of sitting on the sidelines at Old Trafford after seeing his reputation soar at Bramall Lane.

Henderson was outstanding as Manchester City secured a 1-0 win against Wilder’s newly-promoted side – producing three stunning first half saves, including a penalty.

With De Gea having only just signed a new four-year contract at United – making him the highest-paid goalkeeper in the world – Henderson faces a wait to become No1.

As such, talks are already under way to extend his loan with Sheffield United, with Wilder insisting the player will not settle for life on the bench.

“He wants to play first team football,” he said. “Maybe I shouldn’t be saying this, but I’m not so sure he’ll play back up to anybody. Just the character of the boy. Maybe he will come out and say it.

“If there is a decision for Manchester United for him to come out to us for another year we will gladly take that up. We’ve already started talking with them, but he’s their player and that decision will be taken on behalf of Manchester United about the player. He’s been outstanding for us.”

Wilder also believes England is beckoning for Henderson.

“You look at his age,” he said. “He’s still a baby of 22. People talk about goalkeepers 27, 28, 29 (reaching their peak) - so he’s got five, six seven years on goalkeepers at that age. The quicker he learns the better he’s going to be.

“He’s been outstanding, I know there’s a pecking order in that England group, but they must be really good goalkeepers getting ahead of him at the moment.

“The competition is fierce and there are some unbelievably good goalkeepers, but I watch him closely every day and the performances he produces for us.”

Henderson was unfortunate to be on the losing side as Sergio Aguero came off the bench to score a 73rd-minute winner.

By then the keeper had denied Raheem Sterling and Nicolas Otamendi with stunning saves – and also pushed away Gabriel Jesus’ first half penalty.

“His kicking was brilliant, his positional sense was great. It’s unfortunate he conceded a goal.

“He had the opportunity to save the penalty. I imagine he was the only one in the ground that would be delighted that a penalty was given so he had the opportunity to save it.”

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