sport news Dean Henderson ready to grab chance with both hands

If Dean Henderson is not a familiar name just yet, it will be by next season.

Henderson will be a Premier League goalkeeper one way or the other, after working his way up via the loan system to earn his chance to shine on the biggest stage.

And if his last few seasons are anything to go by, it is only a matter of time before the England and Manchester United goalkeeper-in-waiting is a household name.

Manchester United goalkeeper Dean Henderson is poised for a Premier League breakthrough

Manchester United goalkeeper Dean Henderson is poised for a Premier League breakthrough

The 22-year-old performed brilliantly as Sheffield United earned promotion to the top flight

The 22-year-old performed brilliantly as Sheffield United earned promotion to the top flight

Henderson has just finished his best year yet, on loan at Sheffield United, an essential part of the defence on which their incredible automatic promotion campaign was built.

Another chance to enhance his reputation awaits in this summer's Under-21 Euros with England which he heads into on a high and as a man in demand again 12 months after having 14 clubs desperate to sign him.

This time round all his suitors will be from the top flight after an outstanding individual season capped with a string of awards including the Championship's golden glove for his league leading 21 clean sheets in 46 games.

'It sounds unbelievable,' Henderson, 22, says about now hearing himself described as a Premier League goalkeeper.

'That was the dream as a kid growing up, what you always aspire to be. You always watch Premier League Years on the telly and to know that could be me next year, I can't wait.

'Whether that is at Manchester United, Sheffield United, wherever, I'm good enough to be a Premier League goalkeeper. I deserve that chance.

Henderson, on loan at Bramall Lane, kept 21 clean sheets in 46 Championship games

Henderson, on loan at Bramall Lane, kept 21 clean sheets in 46 Championship games 

Henderson now believes he is ready to take the gloves for his parent club Manchester United

Henderson now believes he is ready to take the gloves for his parent club Manchester United

'It's a tough one to say where. But do I think I should be playing at Manchester United now? Yes I do.

'I think I am good enough and I would help the team a lot, in a positive way.

'If not there I'm sure I could go back to Sheffield United, play a season and then I'll prove to Manchester United what they are missing.' 

Henderson's rise could be perfectly-timed. Current United No.1 David De Gea endured a tough 2018/19 and his future is in doubt.

'I would give my right leg to play for that football club,' says Henderson, the Young Lions' first choice who is also on seniors boss Gareth Southgate's radar.

'That has been my dream since I was a little boy, being a fan. I just know I'm working hard in the background and waiting for any little opportunity that comes up. If it does, I will take it for the next 10 to 15 years.' 

At a time when the attitude and character in United's dressing room is being doubted Henderson has the potential to really shake things up at Old Trafford. His, for starters, cannot be questioned.

He is blessed with huge self-belief to match his considerable talent, which has been understandably strengthened by the impressive impact he has had during loan spells at Stockport, Grimsby, Shrewsbury and now Sheffield United.

His spell with Sheffield United was the fourth time Dean Henderson has been sent out on loan

His spell with Sheffield United was the

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