What Fans Are Saying About Henderson’s Performance On His United Debut
Manchester United continued their start to this season with a win under their belt.
The Red Devils secured a 3-0 win away to Luton Town in the Carabao Cup. The scoreline remained a sliver of that for much of the game as Juan Mata’s first-half penalty was the sole difference between the two teams.
A late triple substitution by Ole Gunnar Solskjær ended up making all the difference with Mason Greenwood creating Marcus Rashford’s doubler and then going on to cement the win by scoring the third goal himself, courtesy of Bruno Fernandes’ assist.
Of course, the game also saw a debut being given to Dean Henderson as well as Donny van de Beek’s first start at United.
Fans were extremely pleased with the manner in which their academy graduate goalkeeper performed on the night and for good reason.
Henderson played a pivotal role in ensuring that the scoreline stayed 1-0 late into the fixture. Although he had little to do for much of the game as Luton barely tested 23-year-old’s prowess, a spirited run of play could have changed it all.
In the 81st minute, Luton defender Tom Lockyer managed to get in an advanced position and nearly saw his header go into the back of the net if not for Henderson’s deft dive and save.
Seconds later, the English keeper did shrug away a rebound too but that was more on the folly of the shot-taker.
I dreamt about this my whole life!! Unbelievable feeling to make my debut for the club I love!! Clean sheet and a win to top it off!!! 🔜🔛🔝 pic.twitter.com/BzfrZEAEHt
— Dean Henderson (@deanhenderson) September 22, 2020
✅ First game for the first team
✅ First clean sheet
✅ First winLight work for Dean Henderson. 🧤 pic.twitter.com/sk6TaR5hTn
— Statman Dave (@StatmanDave) September 22, 2020
Dean Henderson’s save was at a crucial moment of the game and it effectively changed the result of the game. He knows as a United keeper that those are the saves you have to make to be number 1. Big moment for him.
— The Man Utd Way (@TheManUtdWay) September 22, 2020
Henderson’s save was peak De Gea.#MUFC
— Rob Blanchette (@_Rob_B) September 22, 2020
No surprise but Dean Henderson looked at home in the #mufc goal on his debut. Championship opposition, only EFL Cup etc, but that save from Lockyer’s header was exceptional, stretching out his right hand. Great reflexes. De Gea obviously still No 1, but strong competition now.
— Henry Winter (@henrywinter) September 22, 2020
Regardless, fans were singing his praises, and given how David De Gea has been a sliver of the brilliant player he used to be, it is understood why a change is being demanded.
The Spanish keeper did make important saves during the 3-1 loss to Crystal Palace last Saturday but his overall performance still wasn’t up to the mark.
Now with Henderson making such saves and fans asking for him to start more often, the pressure will certainly be brewing.