Henderson warns De Gea he's at "full power" as he targets Man Utd No.1 spot

Dean Henderson has opened up on his battle with Covid-19 and his determination to reclaim his status as Manchester United's first-choice keeper.

Henderson usurped David De Gea as United's No.1 last season and looked set to start the new campaign as Ole Gunnar Solskjaer's first-choice between the posts.

But Henderson's positive coronavirus test and slow recovery from the virus saw De Gea start the season in goal and excel, the Spaniard firmly back as United's No.1.

But Henderson, 24, who made his comeback appearance in United's 1-0 Carabao Cup defeat to West Ham, is adamant he can prove his worth and topple De Gea again.

Dean Henderson is vying with David de Gea for the role of Manchester United's number one ( Image:

PA)

"It's been a tough few months for me but to come back in now, amongst it and feeling at full power is a great feeling," said Henderson.

"It obviously stopped me at the start of the season and I was unfortunate I got ill but, at the end of the day, you've got to take it on the chin and come back better than ever.

"I feel really good now and just want to get out there and prove my worth.

"I haven't been my best in the Manchester United shirt yet. I feel good, really good, now and it's about building those games up, game after game.

"Hopefully I'll get my opportunity and I'll build on it and be the best you've seen me in a United shirt.

Henderson made a couple of appearances for United's Under-23s, before his first-team return against the Hammers, the first time he had played in front of fans at Old Trafford.

"To be honest, I think it felt like the first game I've ever played," said Henderson, left out of Gareth Southgate's latest England squad.

"Since lockdown, with the fans back, it felt more normal and you could express yourself and felt a bit of adrenaline, to do things on autopilot like you train every day. I was delighted to play at Old Trafford.

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Dean Henderson's only appearance for Man Utd this season has come in the Carabao Cup defeat to West Ham ( Image:

OLI SCARFF/AFP via Getty Images)

"Listen, when the fans are back it gives me a boost. I'm someone who thrives off the energy. It was good to be out there in front of the home fans at last. It's been a long 18 months for everyone and I was delighted.

"I went and played two Under-23s games off my own back. I wanted to get back out there, back on the pitch, as I've been off the pitch for four months, which is a long time.

"Then I played against West Ham and it was a long time out. I'll take everything in my stride and am really so excited to get back out there again and hopefully pick up some good form.

"I can help the younger players. Let's not get it wrong, I've played in every league in England, so I'm very experienced in what I do.

"I know what it's like to be in another dressing-room, at times being the underdog, and I know what to expect playing for Manchester United.

"When you take that into account, I'm sure I can pass on that experience to the youngsters and help them a lot."