Cumbrian star Dean Henderson will get more games for Manchester United's Under-23s before making a first-team return, boss Ole Gunnar Solskjaer has said.

The goalkeeper has missed out on early-season action having suffered from fatigue after testing positive for Covid-19 earlier in the summer.

Henderson recently returned with an Under-23 outing against Arsenal as he works his way back towards full fitness.

And with David de Gea in good form in the first team, Solskjaer says Henderson's return will continue to be managed gradually.

Speaking ahead of Man Utd's win over West Ham, the Old Trafford boss said: “I think David has started really well, it’s just unfortunate for Dean with Covid and of course the illness, but he’s getting better and he’s getting some games.

“Dean will probably play more Under-23s games to just catch up with what he’s lost."

Solskjaer, speaking on Man Utd's website, would not be drawn on the competition for the No1 position that will resume when England international Henderson, from Whitehaven, is back in contention.

The ex-Carlisle academy keeper claimed the first-choice role in the Premier League in the closing stages of last season.

Solskjaer said: “In general I’m very pleased with the goalkeeping department.

"I won’t say here that I’m going to keep David going or Dean’s going to come in.

“David has shown his qualities, so it’s a decision to be made further along the line when Dean is 100 per cent.”

Tom Heaton has been understudy to de Gea in Henderson's absence.

The 24-year-old returned from the hip injury that cut short his involvement in Euro 2020, but then had to pull out of a pre-season trip as he suffered the after-effects of Covid.