Dean Henderson believes his lack of game time at Manchester United last season made things 'difficult' for him after joining Nottingham Forest.
Henderson was told by Ole Gunnar Solskjaer he would be his first choice between the sticks ahead of last season but an ill-timed bout of Covid-19 opened the door for David de Gea to come back into the team and return to form. By the time Henderson was fit, his Spanish colleague was approaching his best and had secured his spot.
Henderson only managed to play three times all season as a result and was determined to leave Old Trafford in the summer, securing a season at Forest before even talking to new manager Erik ten Hag. Though the academy graduate is now hitting his stride and has saved two penalties this season, he has admitted he struggled initially.
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“The first few games were difficult when I didn’t play last season but it’s been great to play as often as I have so far. I’m relatively happy with my form overall," the Daily Mirror reports. “It is hard to be perfect every single game but I’ve had some big moments. I’d like to think I have contributed to the team picking up a few points.
“I just want to get better as the season goes on. I’m really enjoying it here. Coming in during the summer with a big turnaround of players was interesting but we’re getting our feet under the table.”
Henderson will still have two years on his contract when his loan spell ends but appeared to burn bridges with his parent club in an explosive interview last year in which he said he was 'fuming' about not being made No.1 and it was 'criminal' he wasted a season sat on the bench.
The shot-stopper certainly sounds happy at Forest, though. He added: “I think the supporters are the best in the country so it’s an honour to play in front of them every single week and they’re going to be a massive help for us going forward.”
When asked about Henderson's future recently, Ten Hag said: "No, I wouldn't give that decision already now. I think he is on a loan for one season. During the season, when the season is coming to an end, we will take a decision and that depends on a lot of factors. He is playing really well at Nottingham Forest."
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