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Dean Henderson prepared to leave Manchester United
The England 'keeper is not willing to play second fiddle.
By Alexander Netherton Sep 3, 2020, 9:23am BST
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Photo by John Peters/Manchester United via Getty Images
Dean Henderson has admitted that he could leave Manchester United if he is not able to get regular minutes for the first team this season.
Henderson has been called up for England's international matches in the Nations League after impressing for two seasons while on loan at Sheffield United, with the last year with Chris Wilder's side giving him Premier League experience.
He had been linked with a return on loan to Sheffield United and a permanent move to Chelsea, but has instead signed a new long-term deal to stay at Old Trafford.
Asked if he would understand if he were unable to be England's number one if he wasn't in the same position, Henderson said:
"Yes — but that won't be the situation.
"Look, 100 per cent, the aim is for me to play next season and - I don't think I want to not be playing after last season."
The 23-year-old 'keeper acknowledged that he would not be able to stay at the club if he did not get first team appearances.
He explained: "Coming off a good season with momentum, it wouldn't be clever for me to sit around and not play football.
"David De Gea has been a great goalkeeper for many years, he's been phenomenal and that's something I aspire to be and to have a career like him at the club.
"So I'll be going back on the first day working my socks off to get in that starting line-up, because it's something I've always wanted. I'm so close, so I'm not going to give up, I'm going to put the pressure on.
"I respect David but it's down to me. I'm well up for the challenges ahead."
United's longstanding second-choice goalkeeper, Sergio Romero, is expected to leave the club with United also able to use Lee Grant as their third goalkeeper. Aston Villa have been linked with a move for the Argentine after Pepe Reina joined Lazio.