Solskjaer casts doubt on De Gea's future

Manchester United's Spanish goalkeeper David de Gea is unable to prevent a shot from Chelsea's French striker Olivier Giroud beating him to give Chelsea the lead during the English FA Cup semi-final football match between Manchester United and Chelsea at Wembley Stadium in London, on July 19, 2020. (Photo by Andy Rain / POOL / AFP)

Ole Gunnar Solskjaer admits he will need to make a "difficult" decision as he chooses who to make Manchester United's first-choice goalkeeper next season.

The United boss' comments will come as alarming news to No1 shot-stopper David de Gea, whom Solskjaer has stuck by this season despite the Spaniard's numerous high-profile mistakes.

As it stands, two quality options will be pushing De Gea for minutes next season.

Argentina international Sergio Romero is considered the best back-up option in the Premier League and Dean Henderson is returning from an impressive two seasons on loan at Sheffield United to compete for a starting role.

Though Solskjaer says his wealth of goalkeepers is a "good problem to have", he concedes he must make a tough decision about his shot-stopper pecking order.

Manchester United's David de Gea looks dejected [COURTESY]

"I think I must be the most privileged manager in the world with the goalkeeping department," the Norwegian said ahead of United's Europa League quarter-final tie with Copenhagen.

"Sergio, David and Dean. Three top 'keepers. This season has shown how important Sergio has been for us. David has been performing there.

"We'll see what we'll do going forward. Difficult? Yes. But that's a good problem to have."

United's current rotation sees De Gea start Premier League matches and Romero feature in the cup competitions, but Henderson's return to Old Trafford will upset the established system.

And Solskjaer acknowledged it would be a near-impossible task to satisfy the demands for minutes of three goalkeepers.

“I think as you say, competition for places is important and we’re looking to have competition for places,” Solskjaer added.

“We have Dean, Sergio and David at the moment in the ranks. Lee [Grant], the fantastic professional he is, is backing them up. But it’ll be difficult obviously to keep three of them at the club, so we’ll see what the decision will be there.”