Former Manchester United midfielder Paul Scholes has claimed that Dean Henderson has "taken over" from David de Gea to become the team's new number one goalkeeper.

Henderson has started Man United's last five games in all competitions, although De Gea has recently been unavailable for selection following a trip back to Spain for the birth of his first child.

De Gea was back on the bench against AC Milan in the Europa League on Thursday night, but there has recently been speculation surrounding the Spaniard's long-term future.

Scholes has claimed that Henderson has now moved to the top of the pecking order at Old Trafford and has backed the England international to make the most of his opportunity.

"I think it's Henderson now. He's taken over. I thought David had been lucky after the Everton game (in February) to keep his place. There were a couple of mistakes there. A few things before and after that - not glaring mistakes - but I feel more confidence with Henderson in there. I'm a little more relaxed," Scholes told BT Sport.

"I'm not having a go at David. He's been a brilliant goalkeeper and could still be if Dean doesn't take his chance. But the time has come to give him (Henderson) a run in the team. He's been picked in the England squad, he should be number one for England as well. He was really calm tonight and did what he did which was safe."

Henderson has only conceded 10 times in 18 appearances for Ole Gunnar Solskjaer's side during the 2020-21 campaign, keeping 12 clean sheets in the process.