Zak’s joy first-team is in sight
UNITED teenager Zak Dearnley has told of his delight at being named on the bench for the first-team.
The 18-year-old from Sheffield made his first senior squad appearance in United’s last Premier League game of the season against Crystal Palace last month.
Although he didn’t get make his debut, it was a fairy tale ending to a testing season for Dearnley, who suffered a serious hamstring injury while playing for the under 18s in August.
He battled back to fitness and said the injury had made him ‘better as a person and mentally stronger.’
Speaking to ManUtd.com, he said of his call-up: “Obviously, it was great. It’s been a bit of a stop-start season for me as I got injured in August but to be involved was great. Who would have thought with the season that I’ve had, to get the opportunity to be on the bench and to be in the changing room and see what the first team do? It was a great experience and a great day for me and my family.
“It was such a good thing to see the young players in the first team; our families are so proud of us and it was great. It was just such a good feeling to see us all involved and a great experience.”
Dearnley added that he had benefited from spending time with Jose Mourinho and watching the senior players prepare professionally for the match.