Sam Allardyce has pointed to a former Manchester United player who is now considered the best in his position, following a move away from Old Trafford that has seen his career take off.
Plenty of players have passed through Manchester United over the years, with many leaving before truly finding their form.
Ever since Sir Alex Ferguson retired in 2013, a number of different managers have come through Old Trafford, leading to inconsistent recruitment and a string of signings that did not quite fit the bill.
On top of that, some decisions to move players on came too soon. Louis van Gaal’s choice to let go of Jonny Evans and Danny Welbeck comes to mind.
Evans went on to have solid spells with West Brom and Leicester City before making his way back to United in 2023, wrapping up his career at the end of last season.
Welbeck, meanwhile, is still playing regular football in the Premier League at 35.
United fans usually wish former players well after they depart the club. However, Alejandro Garnacho stands as a recent anomaly, having been booed by the Old Trafford crowd earlier this season.
Sam Allardyce believes Dean Henderson is now the top keeper in the Premier League
Since making the switch to Crystal Palace, Dean Henderson has continued to impress, especially after helping them lift the FA Cup last season.
Henderson first joined United’s academy as a teenager and went on to make 29 senior appearances before moving on in August 2023, when he joined Palace in a permanent move.
Sam Allardyce feels that the move away from Manchester United has helped Henderson become one of the top goalkeepers in the Premier League.
“But this lad who I think is the best goalie, he proved it all last year and this year. And he doesn’t have to do as much because they’re doing so well at the top end of the league now, and that’s Dean Henderson at Crystal Palace,” Big Sam said on No Tippy Tappy Football podcast.
“I’ve got to pick the right word. He’s so confident in himself. I mean, he believes when somebody’s got a penalty, he’s going to save it.
“You can see it like, he’s bordering on a bit arrogant, but he’s like so confident.”
Dean Henderson’s results against Man United
Since leaving Old Trafford, Henderson has played against United four times.
He has come out on top in two of the three league fixtures and has not conceded a goal to his old team in any of them.
The last time these two teams met, Palace came away with a 2-0 victory.
United fans will be hoping their side can finally break through against him this weekend.
Receive exclusive football transfer news and updates twice a week to your mailbox
