Why Manchester United boss Ole Gunnar Solskjaer is so impressed with former Sheffield United loan star Dean Henderson

Ole Gunnar Solskjaer admits Dean Henderson is “not the most patient guy” as Manchester United’s back-up goalkeeper continues to try and prove he is worthy of a bigger role at Old Trafford.
Manchester United goalkeeper Dean Henderson, right, warming up with No keeper David de Geaa. Picture: Laurence Griffiths/PAManchester United goalkeeper Dean Henderson, right, warming up with No keeper David de Geaa. Picture: Laurence Griffiths/PA
Manchester United goalkeeper Dean Henderson, right, warming up with No keeper David de Geaa. Picture: Laurence Griffiths/PA

Having spent loan spells at Stockport, Grimsby, Shrewsbury and Sheffield United, the 23-year-old has supplanted Sergio Romero as back-up to David De Gea after impressing during two seasons with the Blades.

Henderson was rewarded with a new and improved contract upon returning to United in the summer, tying the academy graduate down until at least 2025.

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The Cumbrian has since made 10 first-team appearances for United and last month admitted that “being sat on the bench is not something I want to do all the time, so that’s been the hardest bit”.

AMBITIOUS: Goalkeeper Dean Henderson, pictured while on loan at Sheffield United. Picture: Mike Egerton/PAAMBITIOUS: Goalkeeper Dean Henderson, pictured while on loan at Sheffield United. Picture: Mike Egerton/PA
AMBITIOUS: Goalkeeper Dean Henderson, pictured while on loan at Sheffield United. Picture: Mike Egerton/PA

Henderson looks set to make another appearance in tonight’s FA Cup fifth-round clash with West Ham, when he can stake his claim days after De Gea’s disappointing display in the 3-3 Premier League draw with Everton.

“Dean has done very well when he’s got the chance and he’s matured,” said Solskjaer. “For me, he’s developed his game.

“I know he’s not played as many games as he would’ve done last season, but you see every game when he plays and in training his improvement, working hard on a couple of aspects that we’ve spoke about with him.

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“I’ve been impressed with his attitude and workrate. Of course he’s, how to say ... he’s not the most patient guy. He wants to play every game because he knows that he’ll perform well, so long may it continue because he’s improved since he’s come here.”

Dean Henderson, right, pictured with Sheffield United's David McGoldrick on his return to Bramall Lane with Manchester United earlier this season. Picture: Simon Bellis/SportimageDean Henderson, right, pictured with Sheffield United's David McGoldrick on his return to Bramall Lane with Manchester United earlier this season. Picture: Simon Bellis/Sportimage
Dean Henderson, right, pictured with Sheffield United's David McGoldrick on his return to Bramall Lane with Manchester United earlier this season. Picture: Simon Bellis/Sportimage

Sean Dyche wants to progress further in this season’s FA Cup but the Burnley manager insists the “real goal” is maintaining the club’s place in the Premier League.

Dyche has unapologetically prioritised Burnley’s league fortunes over anything else during his tenure, but they have a chance to reach their first FA Cup quarter-final in 18 years when they welcome Bournemouth tonight.

“Fans, players and everyone still want to do well in the FA Cup and every team goes out with that intention, I’m sure,” he said.

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“But it’s just a common sense moment when you go ‘what is the real goal?’ For Burnley, as a club and not just for me, then it is to be in the Premier League because it can continue the growth the club has had and to move forward.”

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