'His solutions are brilliant' - How Erik ten Hag is changing the mentality at Manchester United
02.08.2022 - 14:15
/ manchestereveningnews.co.uk
As the sweat settles on Tom Heaton's brow and his hands, now free of goalkeeping gloves but still throbbing, soften, it still rankles him that an alert denial of Isi Camacho was tapped in by Alvaro Garcia.
Heaton, 36 and back where it started, has just started at Old Trafford for the Manchester United first-team for the second time in their 1-1 draw with Rayo Vallecano. A full competitive debut is overdue.
When he rejoined United last year, it was intimated to Heaton he would be the No.2 'keeper. Ole Gunnar Solskjaer had pencilled in Dean Henderson to start the season and David de Gea was due to be phased out. Then Henderson contracted Covid-19, De Gea impressed, the transfer window closed and Solskjaer had three international goalkeepers.
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"I was hoping [to be second choice]. I was hoping to go in and challenge," he says of his return. "I knew the situation so, to some degree, it was my own fault but you always back yourself a little bit. I can't have too many complaints.
"I always felt a little bit of unfinished business [at the club] from my point of view and there were a lot of positives to coming back. The fact is that as a footballer, there's no substitute for playing.
"I've thoroughly enjoyed pre-season and had two-and-a-half games. Every time I pull on the shirt it feels great and I'll be chasing more of it.
"Getting out there and pulling the shirt on, albeit pre-season, there's no better feeling. Even on tour, when I got 30 minutes against Liverpool and a start in Melbourne, there's no feeling like playing.
"It was a little bit frustrating for me on the back of last year and only playing one game, so I'm delighted to get