Axel Tuanzebe has backed goalkeeper Dean Henderson to challenge for a first-team role at Manchester United next season.
Henderson has spent the last two years away from Old Trafford, making a total of 76 appearances in all competitions while on loan at Sheffield United
With the 23-year-old being tipped to return to the Premier League giants in the summer, Tuanzebe feels that the academy graduate is well positioned to rival David de Gea for the number-one spot.
Speaking to the Manchester Evening News, the defender said: "We're fortunate to have such a club that promotes youth and wants their youth to be big players and big stars in the first team. Obviously we have players with the talent to do so, which we've witnessed many times this season. It's a combination of the two which breed a career.
"Dean's a big character and I'm sure when he comes back he'll just slot right back in and continue from where he left off. He's doing very well at Sheffield United and it just shows, coming from the academy, he's demonstrating what he's learnt and practising it week in, week out."
Aware that he may have to bide his time, Henderson is allegedly against extending his deal past 2022 until being given an opportunity in the senior setup.
Darren Plant
