The man who is likely to show up between the bats when a local competition is restarted in the middle of the week says he is well aware of what impact will mean for fans.
Dean Henderson has called on Manchester United to “paint the city red” by winning a “dream” derby in the Carabao Cup semi-final.
United welcome rivals Manchester City to Old Trafford for a four-night final big tie on Wednesday night.
Both teams met at the same level last term, with the Blues coming out on top after two legs, but Ole Gunnar Solskjaer’s side are in better shape this time around.
The Red Devils have won nine of their last 11 home rounds, emerging as the closest rivals for the Liverpool Premier League crown in the process.
That run also included a Carabao Cup quarter-final win against Everton, when Henderson enjoyed it after giving up a scarce start ahead of David de Gea.
The England goalkeeper is likely to be sent back to Solskjaer’s starting line-up against City, and he knows exactly what it will mean for fans if United can get the upper hand over the old man. their enemy.
“This one means a lot,” Henderson told the club official website. “Of course, the kick will be all over town.
“The city is mostly red, and we have to paint it red. But we are getting better all the time, so hopefully we can get a good result.
“One team has to win, so I think both teams will go for it. Maybe we’ll take the game to them and give it a try, and we’ll see what comes of it. ”
Asked how it felt to help the Red Devils reach their first final of 2017 by beating City, the 23-year-old replied: “It would be great.
“I’ve known a few Man City fans since I was growing up, and obviously there was conflict between us, even in school and things like that.
“To beat them and get involved would be a dream.
“That’s the kind of thing you think of as a young child. It would be amazing, and something I’m really looking forward to. ”
United have not won a major trophy in three years, and Henderson has pressed to end those follow-up spells as soon as possible with a ticket to Wembley to face Tottenham for a midfielder. week.
He said: “[It’s] large. The club is built on silverware. We have to win prizes and obviously we are getting better and better on the pitch, but nobody cares if we don’t win prizes. So we have to put that in front of our minds, and we have to find a way to do that.
“Whether it’s the Carabao Cup, the Premier League or the Europa League or the FA Cup, we need to turn those good achievements into silverware. ”