TOM HEATON
Burnley goalkeeper Tom Heaton claims one of Zlatan
Ibrahimovic's 12 shots he faced nearly broke his arm.
Manchester United had 37
shots in total during their goalless draw with Burnley and Heaton was in
unbeatable mood, making 11 saves.
The England international -
as well as being confident and assured with dealing with United's 17 corners -
made his mark with some outstanding shot-stopping exploits.
Perhaps the pick of his
saves came on the hour mark when Ibrahimovic, who had already been denied from
close range, flew through the air to connect with a cross from the right but
his scissor-kick was bravely blocked away with one arm by a starfish-like
Heaton.
The force of the shot bent the goalkeeper's arm back at an
awkward angle and he had to receive treatment from the Burnley medical team.
After scoring four
goals in his first four appearances for Manchester United, Ibrahimovic now has
one in his last nine and the 35-year-old has missed more clear-cut chances
(eight) than any other Premier League player this season.
Heaton's save from Ibrahimovic's
scissor-kick was heralded as the best in the history of the Premier League
by former United goalkeeper Peter Schmeichel.
"I knew I had two men
behind me on the line, so I thought I'd get out, close the space and
spread," Heaton said.
"Thankfully it
has hit me but it nearly broke my arm!"
Burnley boss Sean Dyche was
full of praise for his heroic goalkeeper.
"Tom was excellent and
he knows he is going to have to be on top form," he said.
"But he is a
very good goalkeeper and he continues to mature and work at his game and the
biggest thing for me is he has that inner belief that goalkeepers need, that
the ball is not going to go in the net."
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