Goalkeeper Dean Henderson has said he felt like a "caged animal for the last year," admitting that he would love to be able to face Manchester United this season while on loan at Nottingham Forest.
Henderson, who will have aspirations of forcing his way back into the England squad ahead of the World Cup starting in November, has joined Forest on a season-long loan deal, in an attempt to rekindle his career. The former Sheffield United loanee was expected to become United's first-choice shot-stopper last season but saw his hopes scuppered ahead of the campaign getting under way after contracting Covid-19 in pre-season.
David de Gea impressed at the start of the season and retained his place throughout the season, under both Ole Gunnar Solskjaer and Ralf Rangnick. Henderson wanted to leave Old Trafford in January but saw his efforts blocked.
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However, he has been granted the opportunity to store some valuable minutes under his belt ahead of this season getting under way, being snapped up on loan by Premier League newcomers Forest. And ahead of Saturday's season opener against Newcastle United, the shot-stopper has hit out at his parent club, criticising them for giving him so few opportunities last term.
"I remember the Covid season when I went back to Man United [2020/21]," Henderson told Sky Sports. "The reason I ended up going back in and giving it a shot was probably because there was no fans, so it was as if you hadn't missed a year of football, because there were no supporters and it was as if it was a false league.
"It was Covid-related and it was uncontrollable really. I can't wait to get back out there as I've been a caged animal for the last year."
A temporary move to the City Ground will see Henderson earn the chance to resurrect his career as a regular Premier League starter. He has been installed as the No.1 goalkeeper following the departure of Brice Samba.
Although he will be looking to rack up as many appearances as possible, the terms of his loan deal mean that he will not be allowed to face United this season. Unfortunately for him, that is the fixture he would have loved to have participated in most.
Henderson continued: "It would be Man United but I can't play that game, unfortunately! That is me being honest with you - it would be United."
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