Dean Henderson delivers a heartfelt goodbye message to Sheffield United fans as Aaron Ramsdale deal imminent

After spending the past two seasons on loan with Chris Wilder’s side, helping them win promotion from the Championship and then finish ninth in the Premier League, Henderson returned to Manchester United earlier this summer - where he is expected to challenge David de Gea for a starting place next term.

Ramsdale, Henderson’s successor in the England under-21 team, is poised to be officially unveiled by Wilder after travelling to Yorkshire for a medical today. The 22-year-old, who started his career with United before moving to The Vitality Stadium in 2017, is believed to have cost in the region of £10m and also interested Aston Villa.

Publishing a statement on social media which, contrary to a report he could yet renew his temporary agreement for a second time, Henderson confirmed his time with United is at an end.

“I would like to take this opportunity to thank everyone at Sheffield United for the past two years,” he said. “Winning promotion to the Premier League with my brothers and having the season we had this season is something I will never forget.

“I would like to thank the manager, my team mates, the backroom staff and of course the fans who have been unbelievable towards me.

“I will look back on the last two years as an important chapter in my career and, more than anything, I’m grateful to have had the opportunity to learn and develop with such a class group of lads.”

Although Manchester United had wanted Henderson to spend the forthcoming campaign with Wilder’s squad - the fixture list is expected to be released tomorrow morning - their financial demands convinced Wilder to press ahead with his pursuit of Ramsdale.

Henderson is set to put pen to paper on a new contract at his parent club, which is understood to be worth around £100,000 a week.

“I can’t wait for the next chapter,” Henderson added. “Once again, thank you for everything. Once a Blade, always a Blade.”

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