Dean Henderson

Henderson makes Manchester United debut

Tuesday 22 September 2020 19:59

Dean Henderson is fulfilling his childhhood dream by making his Manchester United debut tonight against Luton Town in the Carabao Cup.

After impressive loan spells at Sheffield United, the 23-year-old shot-stopper played against Aston Villa in our only pre-season friendly, before being named among the substitutes in the Premier League season opener against Crystal Palace. 

Henderson, who arrived in Manchester from Carlisle United at the age of 14, had before this season been on the bench for United's first team on two occasions - in the Emirates FA Cup ties against Shrewsbury Town and Blackburn Rovers in 2016 and 2017 respectively.

Henderson proves loan system is working

 Article

Dean Henderson, and Les Parry from the club's Academy staff, tell us about the strategy behind the keeper's career path.

United manager Ole Gunnar Solskjaer spoke to MUTV ahead of our goalkeeper's first-team debut and acknowledged it's a special night for him. 

"Definitely. He’s been waiting patiently for so long," the manager told us. "Well, you cannot say patiently, because he is very driven. He has a great desire to play for United in goal and finally now he is getting his first competitive game for us."

The Whitehaven man made 36 Premier League appearances for the Blades last season, missing only the two clashes with the Reds for which he was unavailable for as a loanee. He also started all 46 games for Chris Wilder's team in their promotion campaign from the Championship in 2018/19.

As for international recognition, Henderson was named in the England squad for the UEFA Nations League games against Iceland and Denmark earlier this month, although he is yet to make his senior debut for the Three Lions.

Other than his two spells at Sheffield United, Henderson has also been on loan at Stockport County, Grimsby and Shrewsbury. He becomes the 12th player from United's Academy to make his first-team debut since Solskjaer became manager.

The new season is here. Our 2020/21 home, away and third kits are available now from United Direct.

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