David de Gea should have been Young Player of the Year, says Thierry Henry

Thierry Henry and Jamie Redknapp look at the vital David de Gea's vital saves Thierry Henry and Jamie Redknapp look at the vital David de Gea's vital saves

Manchester United goalkeeper David de Gea should have beaten Harry Kane to the Young Player of the Year award, according to Sky Sports pundit Thierry Henry.

De Gea produced a string of excellent saves to help United to a 2-1 victory against Crystal Palace, including a superb one-on-one stop to deny Glenn Murray.

The Spain international denied Murray again late on as United moved to within one win of a return to the Champions League and Henry, speaking on Saturday Night Football, thinks his performances have been a key reason behind Louis van Gaal's side's march to the brink of Champions League qualification.

“He was my young player of the year,” the former Arsenal striker said.

“Look at what he’s been doing for Manchester United this season."

Van Gaal was also quick to praise his goalkeeper after the game at Selhurst Park, describing his one-handed save to deny Murray as 'fantastic'.

LVG: David De Gea 'fantastic'

And Henry believes De Gea, who has been linked with a move to Real Madrid in recent months, has been winning his side points all season.

“He has won so many points for the team and for that particular reason he was my young player of the year," he added.

“As a goalkeeper it’s difficult to win points but he did.

"He kept Crystal Palace at bay and how many times have we seen it this season?"