Man Utd outcast could be part of Erik ten Hag's plans despite being told he'd never play for the club again

Manchester United outcast Dean Henderson could be part of Erik ten Hag’s plans, according to a fresh report.

The Times has claimed that Ten Hag is keeping an eye on the progress of Henderson, who is currently on loan at Nottingham Forest.

The 25-year-old, who at present is out injured, has made 20 appearances in all competitions thus far for Steve Cooper's side, claiming six clean sheets.

But it’s Henderson’s ability with his feet that is likely to be of interest to Ten Hag. Throughout his managerial career, the Dutchman has preferred keepers who can play the ball out from the back.

Indeed, while United’s current No.1 has improved in that department, there were several moments during United’s Europa League clash against Real Betis where the Spaniard almost cost his side.

Indeed, De Gea gifted Betis two goalscoring chances with his wayward passing in the first half, with Ten Hag afterwards admitting the player had an off day with his kicking.

The United manager said: “From today I can’t ignore it [the poor kicking] but I think we have seen in many games he did really well.

“I don’t know what the reason today was. There was a lot of wind, a different ball, probably he had some problems with that, but I know we can deal with it and he will do better Sunday.”

Henderson will ‘never play for Man Utd again’

Should Henderson return to the United fold it would be a drastic turnaround for the England international.

Upon signing for Forest the keeper aired his frustrations at not being given the No.1 spot, despite claiming he was promised that he would be above De Gea in the pecking order.

Henderson claimed he turned down several loans to stay at Old Trafford, adding that when it was evident he would not play the club blocked him from leaving. He also labelled his treatment by United as “criminal’ for wasting 12 months of his career.

Indeed at the time former Tottenham midfielder Jamie O'Hara claimed it was unlikely Henderson would play for United again.

Speaking on TalkSport O’Hara said: “I don’t think he will play for Man United again. That’s it now. When you do an interview like that, you come out and slate your parent club it never goes down well with the fans with the coaching staff.

“The new manager will come in and look at it and go ‘it’s time to move on’. Maybe he has done that interview because in the long run, he probably will want to move on.

“He’s a top ‘keeper, by the way. He is probably too good to be sat on the bench, but it is Manchester United.

“You don’t come out and slate Manchester United if you are part of the football club. Let’s be honest, the only way Dean Henderson is going to go to at United is down.

“Sometimes players say things in the heat of the moment when they are angry. We’ve all done it and lived to regret that moment.”