David de Gea’s “very awkward situation” at Man Utd due to Solskjaer decision

Ole Gunnar Solskjaer has put David de Gea in a “very awkward situation” by bringing Dean Henderson back into the goalkeeping mix at Manchester United.

That’s according to former Red Devils defender Paul Parker, who warns De Gea’s first-choice status will be picked apart after each error he makes.

The Spanish shot-stopper drew criticism for numerous mistakes last season but has clung onto first-choice status under United boss Solskjaer.

But he faces fresh competition for the No1 role as Henderson returned to the fold this summer with a new contract after a successful two years on loan with Sheffield United.

The pair look set to share minutes, with De Gea starting Premier League matches and Henderson handed the gloves for cup competitions.

And while Parker is pleased with the ambition Henderson has shown to compete for opportunities at United, he is concerned it will lead to De Gea facing increased scrutiny.

The former England international told Eurosport : “What I would like to think is that Henderson has looked at De Gea, a vastly experienced goalkeeper, and he has thought to himself that he can compete and eventually beat him out as the club’s first choice.

“I hope that was his motivating factor, not the huge new contract he got, otherwise he should have gone back on loan to Sheffield United.

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“If he is up for the challenge though, and I have no reason to think otherwise, then he deserves a lot of credit. It’s easy these days for players to be content, to stay comfortable.

“It would have been very easy for him to go back to Sheffield United, where he knows everyone and is the undisputed first choice, but fair play to him for testing himself.

“I don’t think you can give as much credit to Ole Gunnar Solskjaer or Manchester United as a whole. They’ve put themselves, and De Gea, in a very awkward situation.

“We all know De Gea is going to come back into the starting line-up for Saturday’s game against Brighton but what happens then if he makes an error? Every goal they concede now is going to be dissected more than before.

“Even if United win you know Solskjaer is going to be under pressure from fans and the media to make a change.

“It’s tough for goalkeepers, you don’t get to make as many mistakes as outfield players, and now De Gea is going to be under the microscope more than ever.”

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