Dean Henderson has spoken about his battle with Covid-19 and his determination to reclaim his status as Manchester United’s number one goalkeeper.
Henderson usurped David De Gea as United’s first choice last campaign and looked set to start the new season as Ole Gunnar Solskjaer’s first-choice in goal.
But Henderson’s positive coronavirus test and slow recovery saw De Gea start the campaign in goal and excel, the Spain international is firmly back as United’s No.1.
But the England goalie who made his comeback appearance in United’s 1-0 Carabao Cup defeat against West Ham, is adamant he can prove his worth and move ahead of De Gea again.
“It’s been a tough few months for me but to come back in now, amongst it and feeling at full power is a great feeling,” said Henderson.
“It obviously stopped me at the start of the season and I was unfortunate I got ill but, at the end of the day, you’ve got to take it on the chin and come back better than ever.
“I feel really good now and just want to get out there and prove my worth. “I haven’t been my best in the Manchester United shirt yet. I feel good, really good, now and it’s about building those games up, game after game.
“Hopefully I’ll get my opportunity and I’ll build on it and be the best you’ve seen me in a United shirt.”
Henderson added: “To be honest, I think it felt like the first game I’ve ever played,” said Henderson, left out of Gareth Southgate’s latest England squad.
“Since lockdown, with the fans back, it felt more normal and you could express yourself and felt a bit of adrenaline, to do things on autopilot like you train every day. I was delighted to play at Old Trafford.
“Listen, when the fans are back it gives me a boost. I’m someone who thrives off the energy. It was good to be out there in front of the home fans at last. It’s been a long 18 months for everyone and I was delighted.
“I went and played two Under-23s games off my own back. I wanted to get back out there, back on the pitch, as I’ve been off the pitch for four months, which is a long time.
“Then I played against West Ham and it was a long time out. I’ll take everything in my stride and am really so excited to get back out there again and hopefully pick up some good form.”
