Dean Henderson names Manchester United and Man City goalkeepers as idols

Dean Henderson has named a Manchester United icon and a Manchester City hero as his goalkeeping idols.

The keeper is currently on loan at Nottingham Forest after becoming disgruntled at his lack of game time at Old Trafford. He came out last month to slam United for their treatment of him, saying it was “criminal” that the club had broken a “promise” that he would be No.1 after Euro2020.

He’s become a fan favourite at Forest since his switch, saving penalties against England teammates Declan Rice and Harry Kane in games against West Ham and Tottenham. He’s only kept one clean sheet in seven games so far but injury to Jordan Pickford earned him a call-up to the Three Lions squad for this weekend’s internationals.

It was the first time he received a call from Gareth Southgate since last year’s European Championships, which he exited early from due to injury. Henderson was handed only five appearances for United last year, and was adamant on finding playing time this summer.

He’s featured in 29 first team games for his parent club since coming through the ranks. And speaking to Sky Sports recently, he detailed which United keeper he took inspiration from growing up.

"I think [Peter] Schmeichel overall with the starfish and everything like that, it was phenomenal,” he said. Henderson added that it was a City goalkeeper he looked up to when he became a fully-fledged footballer.

He said: "When I actually became a goalkeeper, I think Joe Hart was. He went out on loan and built his way up. Seeing him in Manchester City’s team, he was one of the best goalkeepers in the Premier League and he was unbelievable for England."