Dean Henderson issues statement in response to ‘hurtful’ social media rumours

The shot-stopper says his family have been affected by it

Manchester United goalkeeper Dean Henderson has hit out at 'hurtful' allegations made about him on social media over the weekend. The 24-year-old was the subject of distressing speculation and insists that he and his family have been affected by the situation.

Dean Henderson issues a statement in response to 'hurtful' social media rumours.

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."

Dean Henderson at Man United.

The shot-stopper has made 29 senior appearances for the Red Devils since rising through the ranks at United's academy. However, the impressive form of first-choice goalkeeper David de Gea in recent months has limited Henderson to just three appearances so far this season - none of which have come in the Premier League. Two of Henderson's appearances came in the FA Cup and EFL Cup respectively, with interim manager Ralf Rangnick's side having since exited both of those competitions. It is thought that the Englishman - who played a vital role in helping Chris Wilder's Sheffield United side earn promotion to the  top-flight in the 2018/19 season - wanted to leave Old Trafford in the January transfer window and was close to joining Newcastle on deadline day. Despite this, Magpies goalkeeper Martin Dubravka reportedly rejected a loan swap deal that would have seen Henderson move to St James' Park and the Slovakian join United until the end of the campaign. Related links:

• Gary Neville says he knows which players are behind Man Utd leaks
• Wayne Rooney says Alex Ferguson 'got out' of Man United 'as quick as he could'.
• Paul Scholes makes scathing Man United claim as club stalls under Ralf Rangnick.