De Gea starts the season as Man Utd number one as Solskjaer backs Spain keeper

David de Gea got the nod over Dean Henderson for Manchester United's Premier League opener against Crystal Palace as Ole Gunnar Solskjaer backed his regular number one goalkeeper.

The battle to start in goal for United intensified when Henderson returned from a successful loan spell at Sheffield United.

His form for the Blades earned Henderson an England call-up and cast doubt on whether De Gea, after a number of costly errors, should remain as Solskjaer's first choice this season.

The 29-year-old De Gea, who joined United from Atletico Madrid in 2011, has been given the chance to show he deserves to keep the starting role.

Presenting our first starting line-up of the 2020/21 #PL season!#MUFC #MUNCRY

— Manchester United (@ManUtd) September 19, 2020

United's paucity of close-season signings was reflected in their starting XI for the clash with Roy Hodgson's Palace.

There were no new faces in the home XI, although midfielder recruit Donny van de Beek was a substitute after his arrival from Ajax.

Mason Greenwood was also a substitute, with Daniel James surprisingly chosen ahead of the 18-year-old England international, whose off-field behaviour has faced scrutiny in the past fortnight.

Aaron Wan-Bissaka began on the bench too, last season's regular right-back lacking in match fitness as his slot went to Timothy Fosu-Mensah.

Paul Pogba, Marcus Rashford, Bruno Fernandes and Anthony Martial started, while Harry Maguire captained the Red Devils, keeping the role despite his arrest and court case in Greece during the between-season break.

Wilfried Zaha was selected as captain for Palace against his former club.