Dean Henderson has put pen-to-paper to sign a five-year contract at Manchester United with the option to have it further extended for another year.
The keeper in the past two seasons has been in between the sticks at Sheffield United, impressing under Chris Wilder and helping himself to be called up by Gareth Southgate to the England national team as the Three Lions prepare for the UEFA Nation’s League tournament next month.
Henderson was able to keep 13 clean sheets in the Premier League last season and he has been tipped by many to replace David De Gea as United’s first-choice goalkeeper next season. United manager, Ole Gunnar Solksjaer has continued to throw his weight behind De Gea despite some uncharacteristic errors that cost the Red Devils valuable points last season, however, he is also a big fan of Henderson, hence, the reason the young custodian has penned a new contract at Old Trafford.
Chelsea have been showing interest in Henderson since watching him impress at Sheffield but United have quickly moved to persuade him to commit his future at the club up until 2025 at least.
The keeper himself is happy to have committed to United and he has expressed the delight. He said, “The pathway that I have been on for the past five years has been fantastic for my development and the invaluable loan period at Sheffield United has been part of that.
“The goalkeeping department at United is excellent; there are three top-level goalkeepers who have achieved so much in the game and I look forward to working with the group. The faith that the Manager and the club have shown in me with this contract means a lot to me and will continue my progression as a goalkeeper.
“I’ll be giving everything to improve every day so that I can play as many games as possible for this great club. Now I am looking forward to joining up with the England squad and then preparing for the season ahead.”
Solksjaer has recently conceded having a goalkeeper-choice issue at United with Henderson’s fantastic progress but it is one that he loves to have and he has praised the 23-year-old.
“We are delighted that Dean has signed his new contract,” Solskjaer said. “He had another great season at Sheffield United, where he gained a lot of experience and grew both as a player and a person. Dean is a fantastic young keeper with the attitude and work-rate to keep improving every day.”
“We are in a strong position within the goalkeeping department and that gives us the competition for places that we are looking for in the squad. Dean is another great example of the type of player who has come through the academy and truly understands what it means to be at Manchester United.
“We are all looking forward to working with Dean and continuing to develop his talent.”
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