David de Gea returns to Spain as Manchester United prepare for derby

Goalkeeper home after birth of first child as Dean Henderson steps in for match against Manchester City

Manchester United manager Ole Gunnar Solskjaer sais he had no hesitation in allowing David De Gea to return to Spain for the birth of his first child. PA

David De Gea will miss Manchester United's clash againstCity on Sunday. Getty

Manchester United's Ole Gunnar Solskjaer with David de Gea and Chelsea's Antonio Rudiger. EPA

David de Gea will be unavailable for Manchester United. EPA

Manchester United's David de Gea with Victor Lindelof. EPA

Manchester United goalkeeper Dean Henderson will step in for Sunday’s derby clash against Manchester City. PA

Crystal Palace's Patrick van Aanholt takes on Manchester United's goalkeeper Dean Henderson. AP

Real Sociedad's Modibo Sagnan watches his header hit the bar as Manchester United's goalkeeper Dean Henderson dives during the Europa League round of 32, second leg. AFP

Manchester United manager Ole Gunnar Solskjaer was more than happy to allow goalkeeper David de Gea to return to Spain after the birth of his first child as Dean Henderson steps in for Sunday's derby clash against Manchester City.

The 30-year-old was conspicuous by his absence from Wednesday's 0-0 draw at Crystal Palace due to "personal reasons", with the goalkeeper subsequently confirming his partner gave birth on Thursday.

Returning to Spain during the coronavirus pandemic brings quarantine headaches but Solskjaer had no hesitation in allowing De Gea to leave despite the crunch clash with City looming.

"It's a fantastic day for David," he said. "Of course when you become a dad that's probably the best possible feeling you can have. The ones who have been lucky enough to have that feeling know exactly what David is going through now.

"I'll give him the time he needs before he comes back. He has to go home and in the old world that's a day, you come back and you're ready again.

"Now with the pandemic and quarantines it's a different world, but still we felt when David wanted to go and be there to support his girlfriend of course there's not even a decision to make. Dean came in and played well and he's ready, so I'll give David the time he needs of course."

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