Nottingham Forest displayed distinct signs of improvement before the World Cup as they leapt off the foot of the table after picking up a couple of huge wins in the autumn.
However, Wolves' dramatic Boxing Day triumph at Goodison Park means Forest have slid back down to 19th, and a tough test awaits the newly promoted side on Tuesday night as they make their first trip to Old Trafford since 1998.
Manager Steve Cooper will be expecting his goalkeeper to be busy against Erik ten Hag's Red Devils, but will he be able to call upon one of his stars of the season so far? Dean Henderson is currently out on loan at Forest from Man United, so is he eligible to play?
Can Dean Henderson play against parent club Manchester United?
Henderson has enjoyed several loan spells since he graduated from Man United's academy. Following a prosperous period at Sheffield United, some projected the Englishman to usurp David de Gea's as the club's number one, but things didn't pan out as Henderson would've hoped.
Thus, he joined Nottingham Forest on a temporary basis in the summer and has performed well between the sticks for the newly promoted club.
However, he will not be able to play on Tuesday night when Forest visit Old Trafford due to the loan agreement between the two clubs.
"We knew Dean wouldn’t be able to play," Forest boss Cooper said ahead of the game. "It is part of any loan agreement, so it doesn't come as any surprise. We have more than capable lads that can play in goal for us if Dean doesn't play."
Who will deputise for Dean Henderson against Manchester United?
Forest are blessed with four first-team goalkeepers, but it appears that either veteran Wayne Hennessey or Jordan Smith will deputise for Henderson against United.
"Wayne has huge experience, and he brings that every day with his training and his presence around the training ground. And Jordan [Smith, Forest's third-choice keeper] has been here for a long time too. Both add value, not just to the goalkeeping department but the culture in general. We are looking forward to the game. Whoever plays, we are going to have to be at our best," Cooper said.
Hennessey is likely to start as he is considered the club's number two. However, the Wales international returned from the World Cup with a knock and he missed a couple of Forest's friendlies during the break.
Nevertheless, Cooper is hopeful that the veteran will be available.
Source : 90min