Tom Heaton returned to Manchester United this summer after being released by Aston Villa, and the keeper last night reached a career goal many players strive to achieve.
The 35-year-old shot-stopper made his UEFA Champions League debut, with Heaton coming on as a second-half substitute for Dean Henderson as United wrapped up their group stage campaign with a 1-1 draw against Young Boys.
Heaton was signed by Dean Smith in 2019 after Villa’s promotion to the Premier League. However, injuries kept the former Burnley star off the pitch for most of his time at Villa Park. And following the revelation of Emi Martinez, the England international had no way back into the XI.
Indeed, Heaton is still well-regarded by Villa supporters, and many were last night amazed that the veteran keeper made his Champions League debut at the age of 35 for United.
With David De Gea and Henderson at the club, Heaton is firmly third-choice at United. However, his surprise appearance last night could hint at more appearances later in the season for the Premier League keeper under interim manager Ralf Rangnick.
The German coach could well be a fan of Heaton if he was will to bring him on in the Champions League last night, meaning the keeper could start for United in their FA Cup clash against Villa in January.
Villa fans react as Heaton makes UCL debut for United
It was a historic night for Heaton as the keeper made his competitive debut for the Manchester giants as well as his first bow in Europe. And on social media, Villa fans were over the moon for the former keeper.
Here’s what some Villa fans had to say about Heaton making his European debut for the Red Devils last night on Twitter…
https://twitter.com/JackAVFC77/status/1468694324321964038
https://twitter.com/BjornHub22/status/1468702208891965445
https://twitter.com/otoiks/status/1468745252383215616
https://twitter.com/AlexanderAvfc1/status/1468693001023234055
https://twitter.com/oldschoolanchor/status/1468693200621785089
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