There were plenty of positives for Manchester United to take out their convincing 2-0 victory against Manchester City at the Etihad Stadium, nothing more important than the pure goal that was defended until the final whistle.
The suspension was the latest in an impressive season for Dean Henderson, who now drives in five games without letting in for United, and has managed 11 clean sheets in the 15 appearances he has made.
And while the criticism has been that Henderson has largely picked them up in United’s more favorable matches, the tide has changed too late – as evidenced by his presence and overall ability in the goal which is the key to keeping City out during the derby.
? @DeanHenderson appreciation post?
? # MUFC # ️⃣ #MCIMUN pic.twitter.com/tUDZu5WB5A
– Manchester United (@ManUtd) March 7, 2021
His immediate strengths have been shown since he took on the number one role in the wake of David de Gea’s absence. United now play with a more commanding goalkeeper, who dominates his box and eases the pressure on his defenders enormously – which is important to create confidence in those who stand in front of him.
Along with the command in his area is an even distribution, unmatched confidence in ball possession and an obvious ability to pull off saves from short and long range. Are these attributes things that De Gea does not have? No – the Spaniard has been a great stopper for United.
However, his confidence and command for his colleagues, as well as his distribution, have never been strong parts of his game. Henderson solves it.
The question of United’s first-choice goalkeeper has been present all season, but the 23-year-old is currently enjoying the “now or never” aspect of the challenge he faces. Mentality is everything like a top goalkeeper. Confidence is often the whole game and it is incredibly difficult to recover when it is lost, but Henderson is someone who is rarely shy about it.
The advantage of no fans in stadiums – which blocks the awkwardness, sprayed with people’s noise and hears all of Martin Tyler’s commentary – has been able to hear all the hassle in place. Henderson is often heard loud and clear and constantly communicates with his colleagues abroad. It is not only to scold orders to his defenders, it is also to put words of courage to those who lie before him who infect everyone.
Is he breaking down global barriers? No. Is he 16 times WWE World Champion? Unfortunately not. But what he does is nail down the basics and build his own confidence with a number of small positive things in every performance he does.
Henderson absorbs everything positively he can from the glimpses of action he has to task – a difficult feat as number two. Now that we are entering the lead role, there is no doubt about his ability to strike when he is called upon. He proved his worth with a fine stop up close in the dying glow against Crystal Palace and his performance against City had a bit of everything. From good distribution and getting the basics right, to having to go to great lengths to deny Oleskandr Zinchenko in City’s spell of first half dominance.
Shola Shoretire, number 74. The youngest player to take part in a European competition for Manchester United. Pretty record.
“Keep up the good work, Shola,” Henderson shouts. pic.twitter.com/mASIul1ioV
– Harry Robinson (@ HarryRobinson64) February 25, 2021
Of course, it’s important not to be moved, and remember that Henderson still has everything to prove. He is facing a monstrous two-legged match with Milan in the Europa League 16-year-old, which could be crucial for United to win European silver this season and will probably enjoy a series of appearances in the league where the red devils must avoid being drawn into muddy top four fighting.
There is enough time for him now to make his claim and prove to Ole Gunnar Solskjær that he should actually keep his place in the side beyond De Gea’s return. United cannot afford another season with the pair fighting against it and a decision must be made in the summer.
De Gea has had his chances; it’s time for Henderson to get his.
