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LONDON: Dean Henderson’s bid to replace David de Gea as Manchester United’s starting goalkeeper got off to a solid start when he made a key save on his late debut for the club in his 3-0 win at Luton Town in the World Cup. League on Tuesday (September 22).
Henderson was one of 10 changes to United after a disappointing 3-1 home loss to Crystal Palace on Saturday in their first game of the new Premier League campaign.
The 23-year-old, who returned to the club after a loan stint at Sheffield United, made a crucial save to deny Tom Lockyer as United entered the final 10 minutes of their third-round tie with a slim lead of 1 -0 from Juan. Mata’s penalty at the edge of half-time.
Henderson, who came to the club from Carlisle United at age 14, snatched the ball to keep his team’s lead intact and they secured victory against the second division side with late goals from Marcus Rashford and Mason Greenwood. .
“That’s probably the job our goalkeepers have to do sometimes, you have to make stops when necessary and David (de Gea) has done it for years and Dean did it today,” said manager Ole Gunnar Solskjaer.
“It was very important because it was 1-0,” Mata added to Sky Television at the final whistle.
“He made a great save and someone also cleared the ball on the line. I think we did well. We haven’t been training together for too long and now it’s important to get back on track and gain confidence. Confidence comes with results. “
Henderson later tweeted: “I’ve dreamed of this all my life !! Incredible feeling to debut in the club I love !! Clean sheet and a victory to top it off !!! “
He will now look to depose Spanish international De Gea, who has come under fire this year but made some good saves over the weekend against Palace at Old Trafford.
The victory over Luton put United back on the winning track and Solskjaer was pleased with their advance to the fourth round, where they will face either Brighton & Hove Albion of the Premier League or the Preston North End of the championship.
“Passing is the important thing. There are some positives, the goalkeeper does his job, we scored some nice goals towards the end, plus it was good training,” he said.
