Dean Henderson looks set to complete his remarkable journey from west Cumbrian junior football to the Manchester United first team tomorrow.
The goalkeeper has been tipped to make his Red Devils debut in the Carabao Cup third round tie at Luton Town.
It will see highly-rated Henderson, from Whitehaven, fulfil a lifelong dream to make the Man Utd first team, having been on their books from the age of 14.
According to the Manchester Evening News, the former Carlisle United academy player, 23, will get his chance under boss Ole Gunnar Solksjaer, having been on the bench for the first Premier League game of the season.
Henderson is hoping to force his way past David De Gea to claim the regular first-choice place, as well as push for a first England cap, and will be hoping to impress at Kenilworth Road.
It comes after the Cumbrian star signed a major new contract at Old Trafford last month, following two impressive loan campaigns with Sheffield United. He had previously been on loan with Shrewsbury, Grimsby and Stockport.
A first competitive outing for Man Utd will be a proud moment for Henderson and his family, including parents Dougie and Yvonne, who the keeper has described as his “rocks”.
It will also be another special moment for his home town. Henderson last year told the News & Star he wanted to make Whitehaven “proud”.
He grew up in the Hillcrest area and went to the town’s St Benedict’s School.
Carlisle United will also be taking a close interest in Henderson’s first-team progress at Man Utd for financial reasons.
The Blues stand to benefit from certain clauses in the deal which took the young keeper to Old Trafford in 2011.
Carlisle have not disclosed any of the details of the agreement. A spokesman told the News & Star: “This deal was done in 2011, when Dean was a 14-year-old.
“We understand that while Carlisle United do get some add-ons, some of the speculation as to what they are is wide of the mark.”
Solskjaer has confirmed he will be making changes to the side that started in the 3-1 defeat to Crystal Palace.
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules here