HENDERSON: UNITED MEANS THE WORLD TO ME

Earlier this week, goalkeeper Dean Henderson signed a new contract that will keep him at Manchester United until 2025, with the option to extend for a further year.

The 23-year-old, who enjoyed an excellent debut Premier League season on loan at Sheffield United last term, is a product of our Academy and has long stressed his determination to win a first-team spot at his boyhood club.

After signing his new deal, the stopper sat down with MUTV's Mark Sullivan to take part in an exclusive interview, and discussed the motivation that making his United debut offers, his international hopes, and the excitement he feels about the prospect of working with David De Gea...

Dean, congratulations on signing a new deal with Manchester United. How excited are you to commit your future to this club?
“Yeah, I’m absolutely delighted. It’s something I’ve been working towards for a few years now. I’ve just kept putting the pieces together, worked hard and I’m delighted to be sat back in the building with a new five-year contract, with an option for a sixth year, in front of me. So I’m delighted.”

I can imagine your family is so proud, too?
“Oh yeah, they know that since the age of 14 and moving down to Manchester into digs, that this was where I wanted to be. For them as well, it’s a special day and for me it’s phenomenal. It’s a dream come true.”

And now, no doubt, your sights are set on making your senior Manchester United debut. What would it mean to you to do that?
“That would mean the world to me. Everything I’ve done is to put myself in the position to do that. I’ve worked so hard behind the scenes and had to take different pathways to get to where I want to be today. I’m sat here now, thinking about the next step and obviously that Man United debut would be something I’ll be very proud of and something I’ll never, ever forget, if it comes – when it comes! I've always wanted to win trophies with this great football club and I'm a very ambitious young man. For me to come here and get so close, it's about winning titles with the biggest club in the world, to me. Hopefully, we can get back to doing that soon.”

Obviously today you’ve also been celebrating a call-up to the England senior international squad and you must be champing at the bit to represent your country at the top level?
“Ah yeah, 100 per cent. Obviously to play for England as well, as I say, it would be a very special moment for myself and that’s something I’ve always wanted to do as well. If I get the nod there, that would be outstanding. I’m just going to keep working hard and I’m sure my time will come.”

How much are you looking forward to working with all the goalkeepers at Man United?
“Yeah, obviously I can’t wait to get back in and I know them well. David De Gea has had an unbelievable career at the football club and it wasn’t so long ago I was saying, if I could replicate that career one day I would be a very proud man. So to learn off him and the other two top goalkeepers within the department would be great. I am really looking forward to it.”