Heaton Put Body On The Line Against United

Burnley goalkeeper and Manchester United Academy graduate Tom Heaton has nominated his second-half save to deny Zlatan Ibrahimovic as the best of his all-action display on Saturday.

The Reds were completely dominant in the Premier League stalemate at Old Trafford and registered 37 shots at goal, with 11 of those forcing saves from Heaton throughout an impressive performance.

The 30-year-old England international spoke to MUTV following the final whistle and pointed to his save to thwart a powerful Ibrahimovic effort on 58 minutes. The ferocity of the strike even led to the former United youth player receiving medical treatment to his elbow, before resuming the game.

“He caught it really well,” Heaton explained. “I tried to close the space down and spread myself as best as I could. Thankfully, today it hit the end of my arm, it was a sore one on the elbow because it was fully extended but it never quite hurts as much when you keep it out.”

On his and Burnley’s display, the keeper said: “We came with a game plan and that was there was all to see. But I thought we did it well, there were a lot of opportunities, there was a lot of attacking play from United but we put our bodies on the line. The heart and desire from our lads was incredible. Not many teams come away from Old Trafford with a point and a clean sheet so we are delighted.”

Although Heaton joked he couldn't let one in for his old employers, he sympathised with United’s frustration at the Theatre of Dreams. “I think they played well. There are a lot of top quality players in there. 

"We just managed to defend the box, block that final little pass and disrupt them a little bit which can be difficult. We have all been there when we’re trying to break teams down. I think we managed to keep them out today and it is great for us, but a touch frustrating for them.”