Tom Heaton was handed a debut for Manchester United by Ole Gunnar Solskjaer as his makeshift side took on Wayne Rooney’s Derby in their first pre-season match of the summer.
Only two regulars for Solskjaer started the game as nine fringe and/or youngsters made up the rest of the team as the club awaits the return of their first-team regulars.
One beneficiary of United’s international players’ absence, however, is Tom Heaton. The 35-year-old returned to the club earlier this month on a free transfer after being released from Aston Villa.
Footage courtesy of MUTV
Heaton is said to be lobbying to become Solskjaer’s first choice between the posts and the former Burnley shot-stopper pulled off an incredible reflex save in the first half against Derby to deny Phil Jagielka.
The former Everton defender managed to get a touch on a loose ball but saw his effort expertly saved by Heaton, who somehow managed to keep United in the lead.
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