De Gea has missed just one league match so far in 2020/21 – the 3-1 win at West Ham on 5 December – and the Spaniard performed well in last weekend's goalless Manchester derby.
But Ole admitted that he had planned for some time to start Henderson in the game against the Blades, due to his previous history with the opposition during a two-year loan spell, plus his encouraging recent displays for the Reds.
“It’s one I had pencilled in for him early on,”
explained Ole.
“I feel Dean is ready as well now to take these games on, because he’s played well when he’s played.