Dean Henderson changes his tune at Crystal Palace after "criminal" Man Utd rant

31 August 2023 , 21:42

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Dean Henderson changes his tune at Crystal Palace after "criminal" Man Utd rant

Dean Henderson is ready to play back-up to Sam Johnstone at Crystal Palace despite ranting about being No 2 at Manchester United previously.

The goalkeeper has sealed a switch to Selhurst Park, penning a long-term deal as he bought the curtain down on a frustrating career at Old Trafford. Henderson made a name for himself in a loan spell at Sheffield United several years ago but was unable to get the opportunities he felt he deserved in Manchester.

Henderson, who has been capped by England in the past, will be hoping to get himself back on track in London after an injury-hit spell at Nottingham Forest last term. He will have to dislodge Eagles No 1 Johnstone however, but appears willing to be his understudy if needed.

He said: "Sam's a top mate of mine, he was actually at my wedding last summer. We're great friends, we've had phone calls, so whoever plays each of us will support each other and I'm looking forward to seeing him."

That stance is a major u-turn on the frustration he vented last summer, shortly after securing a temporary exit from Manchester by heading to the City Ground. Henderson claimed United bosses changed their tune on where they saw him in the pecking order with David de Gea retaining his role.

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Last summer he told TalkSport: "The conversation I had, coming out of the Euro squad, was that you're coming back here to be the number one goalkeeper. I got Covid - unfortunately, no one followed through with anything they told me. I turned so many good loans down last summer, and they wouldn't let me go. It was frustrating. To sit there and waste 12 months is criminal really, at my age. I was fuming."

The goalkeeper had grown frustrated with his role at Old Trafford (Getty Images)

De Gea's departure from Old Trafford failed to open any doors for Henderson with Erik ten Hag moving to sign Andre Onana from Inter Milan. The Cameroon international has gone straight in as first choice with the likes of Tom Heaton serving as his back-up.

Henderson said upon his exit: “I’ve been there for 12 years and I had some good times, and some bad times, there. I’m really grateful for everything they’ve done for me throughout my career. I wouldn’t be where I am today without them. That chapter’s over now, and I’m really excited for my new challenge here. I can’t wait to get started."

Last term Henderson made 20 appearances for Nottingham Forest as they remained in the top flight. The goalkeeper produced several impressive performances and saved penalties from compatriots Declan Rice and Harry Kane early in the campaign.

Samuel Meade