Dean Henderson admits he was in no place to help England during Euro 2020.
The 24-year-old, who threatened to displace long-serving David de Gea as number one at Old Trafford last season, was selected by Gareth Southgate for this summer's tournament.
However, shortly after the group-stage opener vs Croatia, it was back to United for Henderson as he continued to feel the effects of a gruelling domestic charge.
England, meanwhile, reached the final as they were gunned down by Italy in heart-breaking fashion at Wembley.
Speaking to talkSPORT, the academy graduate has revealed that he was left 'unable to dive' because of a hip problem, a result of 'breaking through every brick wall' he could to force his way into the United side.
Henderson, who would have offered primary back-up to Jordan Pickford, admitted to putting on a brave face when it came to targeting a place in Southgate's squad - but the pain was, ultimately, too much to bear as he now turns his attentions to the upcoming Premier League season.
He said: "Listen, after last season, it was very difficult for me. I worked every day, day-in and day-out, I was grinding down to get into that team at Man United.
"I went through every brick wall I could get through, I fought hard and when I got into the team I was shattered, I was exhausted.
"I was mentally tired, I'd done everything right to get into the team, but I'd used up all my energy worrying about getting into the team. So when I got into the team I had a good little run and then got injured and then I struggled."
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Henderson added: "I didn't want to give my place up with the Euros in sight and with what I'd done to get my shirt, so I went into the Euros.
"I so wanted to be fit, so I came in with a brave face on, but I couldn't dive. When I came into training I couldn't dive, I broke down after a week and I was devastated."
