Crystal Palace star reflects on Man Utd decision and makes 'culture' claim

Crystal Palace goalkeeper Dean Henderson has been speaking about his decision to leave Manchester United back in 2023. The two-time England international has become a vital player under Oliver Glasner at Selhurst Park, making 44 league appearances for the club since his £20million - including add-ons - arrival.

Henderson has been key to Palace’s solid run of form over recent weeks and months, with the Eagles learning from their disappointing start to the season and surging towards the top half, currently 12th six points off the top-half with a game in hand.

Deciding to leave United is always going to be a big decision, and Henderson was once tipped to be a keeper of the very top class, but there came a point when the 27-year-old knew he would need to prove himself away from Old Trafford.

“There was no chance I’d break into that first team; David [de Gea] was doing so well,” the stopper told the Evening Standard. “I manifested it so many times growing up. I knew I was destined for that team. I took the leap of faith, went out, and came back to United a first-team player.

“When you set out on that journey, it’s a lonely place as a goalkeeper. Every team I played for were better for having me, which I don’t think is a coincidence. I stand by that. I went back and fulfilled that dream.”

He added: “I signed here to be the No1. Palace made it clear to me and I made it clear to them. They followed through. I want to really leave a mark on the Crystal Palace goalkeeping department for years to come.”

Palace’s big response

The Eagles have enjoyed a solid season despite a poor start, and Henderson puts that down to the calmness of his manager. “The start of the season peeves me off, we left ourselves a lot to do,” he said. “Certain players had long summers and took a while to get up to speed. We lost some key players [notably, Michael Olise], so it was a slow burner. The stats were crazy; we were battering teams but the ball wouldn’t go in.

“But the gaffer adds this little layer and that little layer from game to game. We’ve got a good group, no egos. That’s the culture he’s bred.” On Glasner, he added: “It’s so interesting: when we were losing, he didn’t batter us, didn’t ‘mistreat the dog’. The more you win, the more he demands. He’s just such a good manager.”