Former Premier League goalkeeper Heurelho Gomes has told Dean Henderson to leave Manchester United to keep his England career on track.
The 24-year-old shot-stopper is second choice behind David De Gea at Old Trafford and has featured in just four games this season.
He had a transfer request, which was submitted due to his lack of game time, rejected by Ralf Rangnick earlier this month.
Henderson turned a number of heads with his impressive breakout 2019/20 Premier League season at Sheffield United, when he kept 13 league clean sheets as the Blades finished ninth.
But his decision to stay at United after returning from his loan has been branded as a mistake by ex-Tottenham and Watford number one Gomes.
“If he wants to be a number one goalkeeper, Dean Henderson has to leave Manchester United,” he told Ladbrokes (via Metro).
“When you’re behind a player like David de Gea – who does have his mistakes from time to time but is so important for the club, you’re always going to struggle for minutes.
“You’re going up against one of the best goalkeepers in England.
He added: “When Henderson went back to Old Trafford after playing for Sheffield United, he needed to be sure that he was going to play – he needed that guarantee.
“I don’t think it was a good move for him to permanently return to the club.
“He was having a good time with Sheffield United, performing well, playing week-in, week-out, he’s a very good goalkeeper. But he needs more game-time.”
Prior to his switch back to Old Trafford, Henderson was backed by some to take over from Jordan Pickford as England number one.
But his lack of minutes dissipated that opportunity and a year on he had to withdraw from the Three Lions squad at the delayed Euro 2020 due to a hip injury.
He was replaced by former Sheffield United ‘keeper Aaron Ramsdale who is now enjoying regular football at Arsenal and is consequently deemed ahead of Henderson in Gareth Southgate’s pecking order.
Gomes, who currently plays for Brazilian club Democrata SL aged 40, explained how it was never going to be easy to stay in England picture when having to compete with De Gea for the number one jersey.
He continued: “When you’re competing against De Gea for a starting place, it’s always going to be hard.
“If he was playing regularly, I’m sure he’d be at a similar level to De Gea, but he’s just not getting the chance, and there’s currently a question mark next to his name.”
He added: “There’s uncertainty around him at United, because he never knows when his time is going to come.
‘That’s not a good position to be in, especially for a young goalkeeper who was close to the England squad – game-time is so important, so I believe he has to move on and show everyone that he’s capable of growing into one of the best goalkeepers in the division.”
Southampton are said to be interested in Henderson, whose current deal at United runs out in 2025.
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