Dean Henderson delivered a phenomenal performance as Crystal Palace and Manchester United drew 0-0 at Selhurst Park on Saturday.
The England international made seven saves against his old club – who Crystal Palace paid £20m to sign him from back in August 2023 – playing a crucial role in Oliver Glasner‘s side securing a point.
It was far from a stress free evening for Dean Henderson – who could be seen angrily shouting one particular instruction to his Crystal Palace teammates during the first half…
What Dean Henderson screamed at Crystal Palace teammates
Glasner admitted after the 0-0 draw that he has “never” seen his Crystal Palace side perform so negatively as they did in the opening 45 minutes against Erik ten Hag’s men.
There were a frustrating amount of back passes on show, and after Chris Richards panicked, quickly turning around and playing a sloppy ball to Henderson in the 31st minute – which the Crystal Palace No.1 could only spoon out for a throw – Sky Sports cameras caught him shouting: “Play forwards!”
The 27-year-old was actually a bit stronger with his words, although we cannot repeat what was said verbatim.
Fortunately, Henderson’s outburst had the desired impact, as Crystal Palace ended the first half looking far more dangerous – Eberechi Eze really ought to have put us ahead after Tyrick Mitchell’s clever cut back, only to see his soft effort saved by Andre Onana.
Manchester United will kick themselves
Some Manchester United fans will surely be wondering why the Red Devils spent £50m to sign Onana – and accepted just £20m for Henderson – after Saturday’s stalemate.
It has been a difficult time at Selhurst Park for the man from Whitehaven, having needed to wrestle the No.1 shirt away from another England international in Sam Johnstone, who was eventually sold to Wolves in the summer.
Now, however, Henderson looks to be growing into the shirt nicely, effectively earning us a point single handedly against Manchester United, having also played a key role in the 1-1 draw against Chelsea too.
Hopefully, the glovesman can avoid any injury setbacks – he had trouble with his groin last season – and can continue to guard the sticks for Crystal Palace.
