Dean Henderson releases statement in response to "hurtful" social media rumours

Manchester United goalkeeper Dean Henderson has hit out at hurtful allegations on social media.

Over the weekend, the 24-year-old was the subject of distressing speculation and says his family have been affected by the situation.

In a statement posted on Instagram, Henderson wrote: "Can't believe I'm having to do this but I'd just like to address the rumours that have come to light in the last couple of days.

"There are some sad people in the world that have attached my name to such inappropriate, hurtful and totally false news stories.

"I have a family who have even affected by this so wanted to put the rumours to bed and move on."

The Cumbrian-born star joined the Red Devils from Carlisle United as a 14-year-old for an undisclosed fee and has risen through the ranks since to make a total of 29 appearances, most recently starting the shock loss at home to Middlesbrough in the FA Cup.

After training with the United first-team under former manager Louis van Gaal, Henderson enjoyed successful loan spells with Stockport County and Grimsby Town.

The stopper then joined Shrewsbury for the 2017-18 season and almost won promotion to the Championship, with Salop being beaten by Rotherham in the League One play-off final.

But Henderson would get his chance in the second tier the following campaign, helping Chris Wilder 's Sheffield United earn promotion to the Premier League.

After signing a new long-term contract at Old Trafford, he rejoined the Blades for a second spell and showed his credentials in the top flight.

His form was rewarded with a first cap for England on November 12, 2020, coming on as a half-time substitute for Nick Pope in the 3-0 victory over the Republic of Ireland.

By then, Henderson was already back at United, making his long-awaited first-team debut in a Carabao Cup tie at Luton Town, where he kept a clean sheet.

As back-up to David de Gea, Henderson had to be patient until the No.1's maternity leave gave him a string of games towards the end of the season.

He impressed and was expected to be Ole Gunnar Solskjaer 's first-choice going into the 2021-22 campaign, although an injury and illness would derail his hopes.

A hip issue caused him to leave England's squad for the European Championships, while he would miss a month of action for his club in August after contracting Covid-19.

Since then, Henderson has made just four starts, with three being in cup competitions which the Red Devils are no longer involved in.

He reportedly wanted to leave the club in the January transfer window and was close to joining cash-rich Newcastle on deadline day.

But Magpies goalkeeper Martin Dubravka rejected a loan swap deal that would have seen Henderson head to St James' Park and the experienced Slovakian join United until the end of the term.