Why Dean Henderson had no doubt that Sheffield United would take Premier League 'by storm'

For a man with his level of self-confidence, it's perhaps little surprise to hear Dean Henderson insist that he always thought Sheffield United would do well in the Premier League in 2019/20.
Dean Henderson enjoyed another stellar season in goal for Sheffield United (Photo by Nigel Roddis/Getty Images)Dean Henderson enjoyed another stellar season in goal for Sheffield United (Photo by Nigel Roddis/Getty Images)
Dean Henderson enjoyed another stellar season in goal for Sheffield United (Photo by Nigel Roddis/Getty Images)

But the on-loan Manchester United goalkeeper, who was on Friday named the club's young player of the season for the second campaign in a row, revealed that his achievements of 13 clean sheets even surpassed a pre-season target set by manager Chris Wilder.

"I'm delighted to get 13," Henderson admitted. "In pre-season the Gaffer said he wanted 10, so to get 13 is phenomenal. It's unbelievable for a newly-promoted side but we've done that in every aspect, not just defensively.

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"The boys deserve a lot of credit - they put the effort in on the training ground every day. And it's no accident, where we've finished."

Henderson's future is once again the subject of much debate, with daily headlines already being written about whether he will stay at Old Trafford, leave for somewhere like Chelsea or even remain at Bramall Lane.

The latter is the preferred option not just for Wilder and his staff, but also the Blades fans who have seen Henderson flourish in a United shirt since he joined them on loan fresh from an impressive season in League One with Shrewsbury Town.

Henderson has helped United into the Premier League since, but the club have also helped him showcase his undoubted skills on the biggest stage and he returns to his parent club this summer on the verge of a first England cap, and with his stock higher than ever.

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"It's a good achievement for myself and I'm delighted with it," Henderson said of his award.

"It's been a fantastic season, individually and collectively. I'm a confident lad so I always think we can do well and it [the season] probably went how I imagined it.

"I thought we'd do okay in the Premier League and take it by storm, which we have.

"It's been a great experience for us. It's a league unknown to a lot of us and to finish the way we have... it's been an outstanding journey."

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