Manchester United aren’t willing to let Dean Henderson undergo a medical at Nottingham Forest as he looks to leave Old Trafford this summer.
Dean Henderson has been heavily linked with a permanent switch to the City Ground, where he spent last season on loan. Henderson was hit with an injury setback in February after he tore his thigh in January, which all but ended his campaign as a first-choice goalkeeper.
Any route to being United’s No 1 looks to be closed off with Andre Onana now arriving. But United can still land a sizeable fee by moving Henderson on. Forest are keen to put the England international through a rigorous medical, which United fear could aggravate his injury, and as a result won’t sanction it.
Both United and Forest are willing to let Henderson fully recover before any deal takes place. Steve Cooper’s side are therefore looking to complete a deal come the end of the transfer window with Arsenal’s Matt Tuner poised to make the move north to Nottingham.
The American has already completed his medical ahead of a £10m switch and could find Henderson providing him with competition later in the season. The United goalkeeper had a high reputation as he came through the ranks in Manchester, impressing during a lengthy loan spell at Sheffield United.
He returned to Old Trafford when there were calls for him to replace David de Gea, who was underperforming under Ole Gunnar Solskjaer. The Spaniard retained the starting role however which left Henderson looking on from the bench with opportunities at a premium, and he quickly moved on last summer.
Back in May, Cooper cast doubt over whether he would reunite with Henderson, but praised his qualities. “It is hard to say. I have enjoyed working with him, we have all enjoyed Dean and the personality he is,” said the Forest boss.
“All you see mainly is when he is in goal but there is more to him than that. He is a real good professional, he really cares, he has a fantastic mentality of winning and wanting to be the best, we have really enjoyed working with him and are grateful for what he has given to us and what he will continue to give to us.”
Forest secured Premier League survival last term, eventually finishing 16th despite being among the favourites to go down. Henderson was a regular in the first half of the season, saving penalties from compatriots Harry Kane and Declan Rice.