“Arrogant” United academy star is now “best” player in his position in Premier League, claims ex-England boss

Manchester United have intensified their search for up-and-coming talent in recent years. However, at the same time, they have let a number of highly-rated stars slip out of their grasp.  In the summer of 2024 alone, the Red Devils permanently parted ways with Alvaro Carreras, Mason Greenwood and Scott McTominay. After impressing at Benfica, Carreras has returned to Real Madrid. Greenwood is enjoying a prolific stint at Marseille and McTominay has become a superstar in Naples. Academy players used up to game week 11 in 2025/26 TeamAcademy products in starting XI in GW11Academy products on the bench in GW11Minutes in Premier League for Academy productsAcademy products used this season Manchester City2322965 Chelsea1220434 Arsenal2415835 Fulham1115072 Newcastle United1112472 Brighton1211014 Crystal Palace119942 Liverpool129013 Wolverhampton Wanderers118152 Leeds United017352 West Ham114113 Aston Villa013102 Nottingham Forest022411 Sunderland031912 Manchester United011381 Bournemouth0161 Everton0011 Brentford0000 Burnley0000 Tottenham Hotspur0300 A year before, United sold Dean Henderson to Crystal Palace in a deal worth around £20 million.  Dean Henderson was unhappy at playing second fiddle to De Gea The United academy graduate showed signs of promise under Ole Gunnar Solskjaer, but he failed to dislodge veteran goalkeeper David de Gea. Henderson was left “fuming” over his lack of game time at Old Trafford and decided to join Nottingham Forest on loan in 2022, without even speaking to the newly-appointed manager Erik ten Hag. Since then United have spent over £60m to sign Andre Onana, Altay Bayindir and Senne Lammens, but their goalkeeping situation remains blurry.  Meanwhile, Henderson is earning plaudits for his solid performances at Palace. Sam Allardyce lauds Henderson Only Arsenal’s David Raya has kept more clean sheets in the Premier League than the Palace number one this term. The 28-year-old also played a heroic role in the Eagles’ historic FA Cup triumph last season. Former England manager Sam Allardyce has showered Henderson with praise for his eye-catching displays at Selhurst Park. Allardyce said on the No Tippy Tappy Football podcast: “But this lad who I think is the best goalie, [because] 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, he’s bordering on a bit arrogant, but he’s so confident.” Now, United face the possibility of losing another academy gem. Midfielder Kobbie Mainoo is reportedly keen to depart Ruben Amorim’s side in January amid concerns over his gametime.  Featured image Bryn Lennon via Getty Images The Peoples Person has been one of the world’s leading Man United news sites for over a decade. Follow us on Bluesky: @peoplesperson.bsky.social Vishal Singh Vishal has worked in the football media industry for over six years, planning, writing, and editing content for several major outlets, including North Star Network. Vishal has a bachelor’s degree in English Literature from Delhi University. Currently a writer at The Peoples Person, he covers Manchester United — a club he has been religiously following and supporting since 2012. Vishal also manages a leading MUFC fan page, The Red Devils, on Facebook with over a million likes. Big fan of ball-playing centre-backs and Harry Maguire’s knee-slide celebration!