19 Feb 2021 12:37:14
Tell you what was good to hear last night- a goalkeeper commanding his box.

Henderson didn't have much to do in terms of shots, but every ball he came for you could hear on the tv and he was very positive when he would come for the ball. His distribution is also excellent in comparison to de gea. Wouldn't mind him getting a good run now, but I can't see it.

1.) 19 Feb 2021
19 Feb 2021 13:46:45
Yup loved Deano organizing. He was also heard ordering the players to push forward.

2.) 19 Feb 2021
19 Feb 2021 14:23:51
Ole needs to start Henderson in games where the opposition is going to be physical and rely on their deliveries into the box and that's where Hendo's qualities would come good for us. DeGea can play the other games and this will ensure Henderson settles in quietly while gaining more experience and confidence along the way to becoming first choice.

3.) 19 Feb 2021
19 Feb 2021 14:50:38
Think we are in danger of mythologising Henderson. The biggest issue at the back is not the goalkeeper, its the defensive line. Time and again they hold a line, then Maquire will step back 2 paces, the forwards push up and the other 3 are suddenly chasing back. I can only assume Maguire does this because he is terrified his lack of pace will see him struggle and he so he tries to get a metre head start.

4.) 19 Feb 2021
19 Feb 2021 16:00:36
Grim it’s not a case of thinking Henderson is something he isn’t. I do think though that the lack of confidence in de gea could be a reason why we drop deep at set pieces and maybe why maguire is dropping back- because he feels like he needs to deal with it. I admit complete speculation. Each time Henderson has played, Sheffield United game aside he’s been good and I think he probably helps the back 4 a lot more than de gea because he’s vocal.

5.) 19 Feb 2021
19 Feb 2021 18:28:31
Grim,

Ive said the same thing about Maguire for ages. He is a liability. He consistently plays the opposition onside. he's the main reason why we concede so many goals.

6.) 20 Feb 2021
20 Feb 2021 10:32:59
MH, I wouldn't go so far as saying he is a liability, it is more a case of getting him a complementary playing partner. I think he is trying too much to cover his deficiencies, speed is not his strong point and he needs to leave the faster defenders to be the last man, whereas he should be the one to take the ball out of defence. For me Bailly is his perfect playing partner, unfortunately Eric never seems to be able to play more than 5 games without getting injured, so we have never got to see the relationship develop.
Henderson is a very good keeper and will be the first choice when DDG leaves in June 2023. He comes across as a very confident lad, but the pressure cooker of playing for United is something different. He will still only be 25 when he takes over the No.1 jersey and a few years of playing the cup games and a few premier league games will do him no harm.

7.) 20 Feb 2021
20 Feb 2021 11:15:54
GrimisnotDead you are probably undermining the qualities of a GK who can command his box and how immensely it helps the defense. The defense will be at ease knowing they have a keeper who isn't hesitant to come off his line and is brave to handle any physical challenges from the opposition while also being vocal to organize his defense.

You have to remember the defense is not just the defenders it also includes the GK and having a commanding one is only going to help improve the quality of our defense.

8.) 21 Feb 2021
21 Feb 2021 11:24:18
Ultimately defending is all about communication, if your fellow defenders and keeper aren't telling you where they are, where the danger is and whether to push up tuck in or drop off then group decisions are being made by individuals often without all the information or a view of the bigger picture.

Generally when you think about the best keepers they have always been very vocal, Schmeichel, VDS, Khan, Cech, Seaman, Buffon, Newer etc, great keepers who you will see bellowing at their fellow defenders throughout the match.

Ultimately no one has a better view of what is happening than the keeper, passing that information on is a vital part of defending as a team.

While the debate over which is the better option currently for us DDG or Henderson will rumble on, one thing has become crystal clear over the past season and the tail end of last season, and that is DDG would probably be drown out by a church mouse. Only ever really saying anything once he is fishing the ball out of the back of his net.