Dean Henderson remains “the future” of Manchester United and will be rewarded for his patience at Old Trafford.

That is the view of former Red Devils keeper Tomasz Kuszczak, who believes Cumbrian Henderson will get his opportunities despite in-form David de Gea standing in his way.

Whitehaven-born Henderson has made 10 first-team appearances this season, as well as winning his first England cap, but Spaniard de Gea remains first-choice in the Premier League.

The 23-year-old has made little secret of his aim to be Man Utd’s regular No1, while other top-flight clubs are thought to be monitoring the situation.

Kuszczak, who was understudy to Edwin van der Sar at Old Trafford during a six-year spell, told Sport Astro: “He [Henderson] is a very young goalkeeper but it is no accident that he is there. He will get chances. Ole [Gunnar Solskjaer] trusts him.

“He needs to find a way to the first team. He needs experience. He had a good time at Sheffield United and played very well, but Manchester United is a different team – you play internationally and have a lot of pressure.

“Being a goalkeeper is a difficult position. In the past you had very big names. Dean is the future of the football club. He will get chances. When the time is right, the manager will give him that chance.”

Kuszczak was speaking after Manchester United suffered a shock defeat to Sheffield United in the Premimer League this week.

De Gea retained the No1 position with Henderson on the bench for the fixture against his former loan club.

Kuszczak added: “I was 24 when I got there and had a fantastic goalkeeper in front of me in Edwin van der Sar.

“Edwin played the first season and I was pushing him. I was thinking it was my time but he performed for another six years at an unbelievable level and helped the team.

“I accepted my position, I hope Dean will get his chance. But at the moment David is number one.

“He has had a few dips but over the last few weeks he has been very good. Dean has to wait for his chance. A goalkeeper can play until 40 so he has time to play for United.”