Blades goalkeeper Dean Henderson has today been nominated for the EA Sports Premier League Player of the Month award.
Blades goalkeeper Dean Henderson – (Photo by Laurence Griffiths/Getty Images)
Following a superb October, Henderson has been nominated alongside some other top players. Leicester duo Youri Tielemans and Jamie Vardy are in there, alongside Jack Grealish, Willian, and Man City star, Ilkay Gundogan.
The nomination marks an excellent turnaround for Henderson. He was marked out by Chris Wilder following United’s loss to Liverpool. Wilder was roundly criticised for his comments, but his number one has come out fighting.
Henderson has an impressive record in Blades colours. Four clean-sheets already this term put him right up there with the best in the Premier League. Last season saw Henderson keep the opposition at bay an impressive 21 times.
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He might only be on loan at the club but he’s already adored by United fans. He was clear in the summer about returning to Bramall Lane. Henderson has since reaped the rewards, winning an England call up last month from Gareth Southgate.
But with Henderson being lauded so much, who else stands out in Blades colours from recent times?
There’s been a number of excellent goalkeepers. There’s also been a number of not so memorable ones (Lee Baxter, anyone?).
Here’s a look then at the names Henderson is probably up against when it comes to popularity with the United faithful.
Alan Kelly
Irish stopper Kelly is arguably the number one in many fans’ eyes at United. He represented the club over 200 times between 1992 and 1999.
He tussled for long periods with Simon Tracey for the number one jersey. Kelly ultimately won out in the end though, enjoying some fine moments along the way.
His penalty shootout heroics in the FA Cup win over Coventry City in 1998 remain a highlight.
Alan Kelly, Sheffield United – (Mandatory Credit: Mark Thompson /Allsport)
Henderson has a long way to go in some people’s eyes before he reaches Kelly’s status.
Paddy Kenny
Another Irish stopper and one of the most popular players to don a Blades shirt, Paddy Kenny unfortunately left the club on less than good terms.
Paddy Kenny – (Photo by Ross Kinnaird/Getty Images)
Despite that, it’s hard to deny his impact at Bramall Lane. A stellar period between 2002 and 2010, which included play-off finals and cup semi-finals, means he goes down in Blades history.
He played a key role in promotion to the Premier League in 2006. Kenny was a massive favourite of manager Neil Warnock. It didn’t hinder anything, though. It was widely accepted by fans and players alike that Warnock loved Kenny.
Simon Moore
Moore hasn’t been at the club too long and hasn’t got the games that Kelly and Kenny have.
However, it should be noted that Moore was instrumental in the Blades getting out of League One. Moore replaced Mark Howard and George Long as number one, excelling in the process.
Simon Moore – (Photo by Catherine Ivill/Getty Images)
He racked up 17 clean-sheets as United finally got back to the Championship under Chris Wilder. He is still the Blades number two in the Premier League.
Moore is widely recognised for his professionalism in the squad and seems to help Dean Henderson along the way too.
