He worked his way up the academy at Manchester United from 2011, four years later a professional contract was signed with United. There was no doubt that young Anderson was a solid goalkeeper talent with an English passport, Challenges for the Englishman were that United in 2011 brought in David de Gea. It was not until twelve years later that the natural first goalkeeper left Old Trafford and left the playing time door open. It turned out that Henderson still did not get his opening.
Henderson was in his fifth loan spell, this time at Nottingham Forest, when De Gea left. The Englishman gave a clear message to then-United manager Erik ten Hag that he would not accept a role on the bench. Ten Hag wanted “his own” Andre Onana, a clear message that Henderson did not have a future at United.
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Ten Hag got Onana, while Henderson signed for Crystal Palace in 2023. Three years later, United have been through a chaotic goalkeeping situation with Onana and Bayindir, before things have calmed down with Senne Lammens between the sticks.
Henderson has continued his development at Palace, after 119 appearances for the Premier League club, there is no doubt that the 29-year-old is the right one on the line.
According to The Athletic , Palace are in talks with Henderson over a new contract, which runs past the original one until 2028.
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For some Man Utd supporters, the question is of course asked what, if Dean Henderson was prioritized in 2023, when David de Gea was done at Old Trafford. Crystal Palace are in no doubt about Henderson’s qualities in the world’s toughest league.
In 5 Premier League games against his old club Manchester United, Henderson stands with 3 clean sheets, only four backwards – and 24 saves. Say no more.
