Manchester United face a dilemma over whether to allow on-loan goalkeeper Dean Henderson to stay at Sheffield United if the season resumes - and potentially cost them Champions League football.
While Ole Gunnar Solskjaer's team currently occupy fifth place in the Premier League table - which would be enough for Champions League qualification if Manchester City's ban is upheld - the seventh-placed Blades are just two points behind.
What's more, the Yorkshire club have a game in hand on their rivals from over the Pennines.
According to The Sun, the situation of loan players was discussed by Premier League stakeholders in their video conference last Friday.
Top-flight clubs demanded the parent club must agree to extend the loan beyond the expiry date of June 30, as well as the player and the team they're on loan to.
If the season does restart following the Covid-19 shutdown, it's almost certain that games will continue after that point.
It means that Manchester United can veto the continuation of Henderson's loan to Bramall Lane, which would be a huge blow to the Blades considering the keeper's excellent form.
The 23-year-old has been a major factor in Sheffield United's outstanding season, which has seen an unexpected push for Europe in their first campaign back in the top division.
This is Henderson's fifth loan spell away from Old Trafford but he is increasingly seen as the long-term successor to David de Gea and is very much on Gareth Southgate's radar for England.
If Manchester United were to decide to recall Henderson, it would deal Sheffield United a significant blow in their remaining 10 matches.
It could make all the difference between Solskjaer's side playing in the Champions League and Europa League next season, not to mention a £60million gulf in potential earnings.
The 20 clubs are expected to ratify the three-party loan agreement rule when the Premier League holds its next meeting on Monday.
Henderson would not be able to play for Manchester United if he returned and would be unlikely to displace De Gea for the time being anyway.
He is one of eight players currently on loan at a Premier League rival. Others include Tottenham full-backs Danny Rose and Kyle Walker-Peters, who are at Newcastle United and Southampton respectively.
Liverpool's Harry Wilson is out on loan at Bournemouth, while Cedric Soares is on loan at Arsenal from Southampton and Ryan Bennett is at Leicester on loan from Wolves.
kibedi156
1
experience is the best teacher. de gea is more experienced. Dean just young like kepa they still have a lot to learn and grow
nutbcestyz
1
let de gea substitute as Romero and make Dean Henderson to play because he will become a legend pls ole
AmoGmanchester
1
He's a great goalkeeper no doubt about it,, when he comes what will happen to Romero or De gea because it won't make sense when he comes as a third choice keeper.
Leontheguru
1
he can go on loan next season but if his contract for this season ends June 30th and the season isn't over he should return
naabpry
1
Lone him
vedcdilsuy
0
ole is a top professional manager..leave henderson finish what he's done so far there..ole would love to see his current player at the club show what they have if it mean to fight for the top 4.
Bihabdiklm
6
Man United must give him long term contract and sent loan atleast another season on Sheffield or another team. Then He will be ready for first team unless he will be another Ben Foster
necbciknpy
0
saFEGUARD
Licaclmnop
2
man utd should recall Henderson and sell de gea
jombcsty
0
Come to papa Dean Henderson
[image]
Yup 👍
jombcsty
5
Come to papa Dean Henderson
jaazibshah
4
We have an amazing GK ... David De Gea ! As we all know that If Manchester City’s ban is upheld for even more then we will be in The UCL ! I say that the brick wall 🧱 🧤 Dean Henderson should get a chance at the historic team and we all wanna see the best from him at Old Trafford ! The great 👍 Manchester United May come back again !
ManUtdRed
1
This is ththe consequence of not having a DOF,a manager can't do everything on it's own,Ole needs a footballing man with whom he can discuss about football related manner,Ed Woodward knows nothing about football,stakeholdees should never be making a decision on whether to keep a player or not.
DaMhztourage
0
Henderson himself made it known he's in favour of staying another year at Sheffield Utd , so give it to him , since De gea is still in charge
Sayandeepboss
1
Man u really fear Sheffield for UCL spot🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣
Yusuf_Tokee
0
I think they'll allow him to continue as Solskjær is clearly trying hard to make every United player improve
Vipacdknot
0
let henderson continue his loan spell at bramall lane.
Joel14
4
Dean will return as no.1 when DeGea is 30yrs.
Stromeuskillar
1
loan him so that he can help DE GEA
Agubenjamin
1
Loan him for Another 2 season,