Manchester United goalkeeper Dean Henderson has revealed the impact elite striker Zlatan Ibrahimović’s arrival at Old Trafford in 2016 had on him.
Henderson, 23, joined United’s youth academy in 2013 and after a series of successful loan spells, most notably with Sheffield United, the English shot-stopper has now emerged as a strong contender to become United’s next number-one.
United’s young keeper recently put pen-to-paper and signed a new long-term bumper deal, as per Sky Sports and has already gone on to make his senior first-team debut during the new 2020-21 campaign.
Henderson made his United debut against Luton Town in the Carabao Cup earlier this season in a game which saw the talented shot-stopper keep a clean sheet as the Reds cruised to a 3-0 victory.
Whilst currently away on international duty with England, Henderson has revealed the impact Ibrahimović’s arrival at United back in 2016 had on him.
Speaking to England’s official YouTube channel, as quoted by Manchester Evening News, Henderson said: “Zlatan [Ibrahimović], this guy hits the ball so hard, I’ve never seen someone hit it so hard in my life. To go up against him in training every day was fantastic.
“As a young boy growing up as a Manchester United fan that was something I was inspired to do, for me it was great and I always remember that well.”
Henderson went onto speak about the importance of building a strong connection with the United faithful, the 23-year-old said: “I think it’s important to get that connection with your fans. I wear my heart on my sleeve for every football club I’ve played for and I do what I can to the best of my ability to help that team.
“They’ve been great for me and hopefully I’ve been good for them and that’s something that really excites me about what connection I can build with the Man United fans.”
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