Manchester United have sold many players in recent years who have gone on to thrive elsewhere, with former Premier League manager Sam Allardyce identifying one who has become the best in his position.
Many players have come and gone from Manchester United down the years.
Sir Alex Ferguson’s retirement in 2013 led to several managers arriving at Old Trafford down the years, which has led to mixed recruitment and many players joining who did not meet the required standards.
On another note, some managers sold players prematurely, as seen when Louis van Gaal got rid of Jonny Evans and Danny Welbeck.
Evans performed at a high level for Leicester City and West Brom before returning to United in 2023. He retired at the end of last season.
Meanwhile, Welbeck is still scoring goals in the Premier League at the age of 35.
United fans tend to wish ex-players nothing but the best when they leave the club, with Alejandro Garnacho being the latest exception, after being jeered by the Old Trafford faithful earlier this season.
Dean Henderson playing against Wolbes
Photo by Catherine Ivill – AMA/Getty Images
Sam Allardyce hails Dean Henderson as the best in the Premier League
Dean Henderson has gone from strength to strength at Crystal Palace after winning the FA Cup last season.
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The 28-year-old joined United’s Academy at the age of 14 before making 29 senior appearances for the club.
In August 2023, Henderson completed a permanent move away from United, joining Palace.
Former England manager Sam Allardyce says Henderson has become the Premier League’s best goalkeeper after leaving Old Trafford.
Speaking on the No Tippy Tappy Football podcast, Allardyce said: “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.
“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.”
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Palace have enjoyed a brilliant start to the season, and they’re currently sitting fifth in the Premier League table – five places above United.
The Eagles host United at Selhurst Park on Sunday, with Senne Lammens looking to keep his second clean sheet since joining the club.
Dean Henderson record against Man Utd
Henderson has played against United four times since leaving the club.
Winning two of the three league meetings, Henderson has kept a clean sheet in every game against his former club.
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Manchester United have never scored against Dean Henderson!
Manchester United 3-0 Crystal Palace – League Cup third round (Henderson came off injured before Alejandro Garnacho’s opener)
Crystal Palace 4-0 Manchester United
Crystal Palace 0-0 Manchester United
Manchester United 0-2 Crystal Palace
Crystal Palace FC v Manchester United FC - Premier League
Photo by Zohaib Alam – MUFC/Manchester United via Getty Images
Palace were victorious when the two teams last met, winning 2-0.
Hopefully, United can find a way past Henderson this weekend.