Manchester United set to offer goalkeeper Dean Henderson a new and improved deal

Manchester United plan to offer goalkeeper Dean Henderson an increased new contract for the second time in just over a year.

Henderson, 23, has excelled for the past two seasons on loan at Sheffield United but is understood to be impatient about his prospects at Old Trafford where David de Gea is No1.

United consider Henderson part of their long-term future and hope an improved deal will convince him to return to Bramall Lane for an extra season before taking the gloves from de Gea.

Meanwhile, defender Phil Jones has been ruled out of this week's Europa League tournament to work on a troubling knee injury.

Jones was originally named in United's 30-man squad for the Europa finals but will now stay at home to continue an individual fitness programme at the club's Carrington training ground.

The 28-year-old England international hasn't played since January with Ole Gunnar Solskjaer using defensive alternatives Harry Maguire, Victor Lindelof, Eric Bailly and Axel Tuanzebe.

An operation has also been considered but the club are currently trying to manage it without surgery as that would keep the player out until January.

'Jonah has had a difficult season with niggles. He has had troubles with his knees,' said manager Old Gunnar Solskjaer. 'He has been dedicated, working really hard, but sometimes your body tells you.'

The rest of the United players fly to Cologne on Sunday for the completion of the Europa League competition that was delayed by lockdown. They face FC Copenhagen in the quarter-final on Monday.