Dean Henderson has taken a swipe at Manchester United for their handling of Jesse Lingard's career in his final season at Old Trafford last term.
Lingard, who was released by United at the end of last season following the expiry of his contract, has been reunited with Henderson at Premier League newcomers Nottingham Forest. The attacking-midfielder has joined the City Ground outfit on a one-year contract.
The move to the Midlands outfit has seen him rejoin forces with United goalkeeper Henderson, who is with Steve Cooper's side on a season-long loan deal, in an attempt to rekindle his career after a season to forget at Old Trafford last term. Both Henderson and Lingard were promised key roles in the squad ahead of the start of last season by former manager Ole Gunnar Solskjaer but they failed to materialise.
READ MORE: Dean Henderson hits out at Manchester United after 'wasting' 12 months
Between them, the duo were restricted to just 24 appearances — 21 of those being won by Lingard. But now that the former United man has joined Forest in a bid to get his career back on track, Henderson is backing the 29-year-old to make his mark, while insisting that he found himself in the exact same position at Old Trafford last term.
"Jesse is buzzing as well, just like myself," Henderson told talkSPORT. "I was messaging him every day, pushing it over the line, telling him to come and join me. He was so excited.
"People won't believe it, but he had a conversation with the manager [Solskjaer] and it was the same thing and the same situation.
"He believes in the project [at Forest] and it is a win-win for every party.
"I think it is genius business; he brings quality to the squad and I can't wait for him to get back flying and feel loved again. He will feel loved here and the boys will back him, the manager will back him and the fans will get behind him.
"He will feel loved and will be excited to get going again."
Ahead of the start of the 2021/22 campaign, Lingard returned to Old Trafford off the back of a blistering loan spell at West Ham — in which he scored nine goals and grabbed five assists in just 16 matches. United had a prime opportunity to sell him for a respectable fee ahead of him entering the final year of his contract.
Solskjaer, however, promised Lingard would be a key part of his plans and convinced him to stay at the club. He wanted to leave on loan in January for a second season in succession and that was also blocked.
Henderson continued: "Jesse had a tough season as well last year; people standing in his way and not letting him go and play football. Obviously after 12 months out like myself it is tough.
"He built up a good rapport with the West Ham fans. I don't think West Ham were there. Did they really, really want him? I'm not so sure.
"I think you have got to take it all with a pinch of salt. I did the best thing and come of it all [social media] and it has been great for me. I love life, I don't worry about anything and I don't read any of the rubbish out there.
"I know Jesse is on it. Maybe that is detrimental for him. But I don't think he really cares; he has a personality that means he is so confident in himself and so much ability. I just hope he can put in the performances I know he can for Forest."
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