Heaton delighted after long-awaited United debut

Heaton first joined Reds as a trainee all the way back in 2002. 19 years later, he can proudly said he has played for United on what has been a rather unusually long way to make his first appearance for the club. 

“Signing as an 11-year-old, you know, coming all the way through… I’ve been on the bench quite a few times, played a few friendlies, loan spells and I made the right decision to leave to go and play,” he said. 

“Every move I made since then was to go and play. Coming back here, that didn’t change and I know I have to be patient and there’s a fantastic goalkeeping department. David’s been outstanding this year, Dean’s obviously a top goalkeeper as well, Lee Grant, Matej Kovar, you know, it’s a top department. But yeah, for me, the drive is playing, I’ve said that all the way through and that hasn’t changed. I’ve been working day in, day out as I say and it’s a first marker for me tonight and I certainly want more of it.”