Congratulations are due to United loanee Kieran O'Hara, who has won Macclesfield Town's Player of the Year, Players Player of the Year and Young Player of the Year
The popular goalkeeper returns to United this summer having frustrated League Two forwards week-in, week-out this season. His contract at United runs to June 2020, so I'd expect a new contract and another loan spell or a permanent move this summer.
Meanwhile, Dean Henderson, who will certainly be offered a new contract, has said he'd like to stay with promoted Sheffield United, but once again on loan as he retains his ambition to one day become United's number one.
Personally, I think that'd be a good move. He knows the club and staff there, is well-liked, and would be guaranteed valuable PL experience. If Dave leaves (which I doubt), we'll be in for a new number one anyway, whilst still having Romero backed up by any of a raft of choices for number three. Henderson is better off playing every week.
On a wider note, the club's staff deserves recognition for the quality of the 'keepers we've been developing for years. The list of players still performing in the position in the league and across Europe is almost too long to print given the character limit here, and we still have real talent at the club with the potential and clearly the determination to succeed at the top level of the game, right through to Matej Kovar and Jacob Carney, both of whom have put in some superb performances in the junior ranks this season.
Kovar, who has trained with the first team and looked dominant throughout this season's UEFA Youth League run, looks like he has a bright future in particular.
O'Hara, Henderson and Kovar
posted on 7/5/19
Yeah I was impressed with Chong, clearly far from ready and physically still very slight but there's something there. And unlike most of our players he seemed to show effort.
posted on 7/5/19
comment by manusince52 (U9692)
posted 1 hour, 28 minutes ago
As always, a big thanks for that Rosso. A difficult question, who do you think has the best future?
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Henderson is the obvious one, given his performances this season and the plaudits he's received.
If I am right, and 'keepers, unlike outfield players, can be judged based on watching their sides' highlights, he has a solid future ahead of him, possibly somewhere in the top flight.
Kovar is further up the production line, but is certainly one to watch.
Joel Pereira has been on loan at Kortrijk in Belgium the last six months, having been at Setubal here in Portugal and featuring most weeks previously. I have no idea how he's been getting on in Belgium, but after three seasons out on loan, I think this summer's preseason training might be make or break for him.
With 'keepers a lot can be down to luck and timing. Hit late season form and an impressive preseason at the right time, get a chance at starting the new term as number two with a departing backup 'keeper, see the number one 'keeper pick up and injury, and grab your chance.
Whether any of them will make it even as a number two stopper at United is anyone's guess; but it's certainly one area in which the Academy and club's development pathway is inarguably delivering results.
posted on 7/5/19
comment by manutd1982 (U6633)
posted 1 minute ago
Yeah I was impressed with Chong, clearly far from ready and physically still very slight but there's something there. And unlike most of our players he seemed to show effort.
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This is part of the reason I tune in to watch the junior sides play.
Watch the likes of Chong, Garner, Brandon Williams, Largie Ramazani and Ethan Galbraith (amongst others) and tell me those lads don't give absolutely 100% for the badge.
Brandon Williams would rather be punched repeatedly in the knackers by Edward Scissorhands for an unbroken 24 hours than see the U18s lose a game.
posted on 7/5/19
That is the exact kind of player we need Rosso. Someone unafraid of scissors.
posted on 7/5/19
I think McTominay has forced his way into the conversation in the starting eleven now.
Whilst not pleasing on the eye, he's actually quite effective going forward, although I'd rather see him replace Matic than Herrera.
posted on 7/5/19
comment by rosso is facking happy (U17054)
posted 1 hour, 1 minute ago
comment by manusince52 (U9692)
posted 1 hour, 28 minutes ago
As always, a big thanks for that Rosso. A difficult question, who do you think has the best future?
----------------------------------------------------------------------
Henderson is the obvious one, given his performances this season and the plaudits he's received.
If I am right, and 'keepers, unlike outfield players, can be judged based on watching their sides' highlights, he has a solid future ahead of him, possibly somewhere in the top flight.
Kovar is further up the production line, but is certainly one to watch.
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Matej Kovar is a world class sounding name which is good enough for me.
posted on 7/5/19
One of my closest friends is a Sheff United fan and has been singing Dean Hendersons praises all season.
posted on 7/5/19
Cheers Rosso. Henderson is the only one I know anything about really, and have seen a little of. It would be great if he makes it.
posted on 7/5/19
Forgot to mention that Henderson also picked up the Championship's Golden Glove award this season with a league-leading 21 clean sheets
posted on 7/5/19
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