Ben Foster took a closer look at the performance of Dean Henderson during Crystal Palace’s 2-1 loss to Manchester United, pinpointing two crucial moments that stood out. Henderson, a product of the Manchester United youth academy, found himself playing second fiddle to David de Gea before eventually departing Old Trafford in 2023. The 28-year-old goalkeeper made the move to Crystal Palace for a transfer sum of £15 million along with additional add-ons.
In a much-anticipated clash between Crystal Palace and Manchester United at Selhurst Park, Henderson faced his former team, and Ben Foster scrutinized his performance. Foster highlighted Henderson’s stiffness and susceptibility to conceding easily, particularly during the first half when Jean-Philippe Mateta scored a penalty kick for Palace. Despite breaking into the first team at United, Henderson struggled to secure the number one spot, leading to his departure to Crystal Palace.
As the game progressed, United mounted a comeback in the second half, with Bruno Fernandes delivering a precise free-kick and Joshua Zirkzee netting a goal from a challenging angle. Foster analyzed Henderson’s reaction to the goal, suggesting that the goalkeeper lacked flexibility in his movements, making it easier for United to score. Foster expressed his thoughts on his podcast, emphasizing the importance of goalkeepers being adaptable rather than stationary in critical moments.
Furthermore, Foster defended Henderson against criticism for United’s winning goal, scored by Mason Mount. He pointed out the disarray in Palace’s defensive wall during the free-kick, attributing their lapse in concentration as a contributing factor to Mount’s goal. Foster raised questions about the wall’s positioning and its effectiveness in defending against the free-kick, expressing confusion over the defensive strategy employed by Crystal Palace.
Despite the defeat, Manchester United climbed to seventh place in the Premier League standings, trailing fourth-placed Aston Villa by three points. Henderson, who once donned the Manchester United jersey, encountered a mix of praise and scrutiny from Foster regarding his performance against his former club. The match provided valuable insights into Henderson’s development and areas for improvement as he continues his journey with Crystal Palace in the Premier League.
