Hendo Geas up for battle

DEAN HENDERSON has opened up on his battle with Covid and his determination to reclaim his status as Manchester United’s first-choice goalkeeper.

Henderson overtook David De Gea as United’s No.1 last season and looked set to start the new campaign as Ole Gunnar Solskjaer’s first choice.

But a positive coronavirus test and slow recovery saw De Gea start the season in goal and excel.

Now Henderson, 24, who made his comeback in United’s 1-0 Carabao Cup defeat to West Ham, is adamant he can prove his worth again.

“It’s been a tough few months for me but to come back and feeling at full power is a great feeling,” said Henderson

“It obviously stopped me at the start of the season and I was unfortunate I got ill but, at the end of the day, you’ve got to take it on the chin.

“I feel really good now and just want to get out there.

“I haven’t been my best in the Manchester United shirt yet. I feel good, really good, now and it’s about building those games up.

“Hopefully I’ll get my opportunity and I’ll build on it and be the best you’ve seen me in a United shirt.”

Henderson made a couple of appearances for United’s Under-23s before his first-team return against the Hammers, the first time he had played in front of fans at Old Trafford.

“To be honest, I think it felt like the first game I’ve ever played,” said Henderson, left out of Gareth Southgate’s latest England squad.

“I was delighted to play at Old Trafford.

“When the fans are back, it

gives me a boost. I’m someone who thrives off the energy.”