Burnley star Tom Heaton says leaving Manchester United was the best decision of his career despite receiving the hairdryer treatment from Sir Alex Ferguson
TOM HEATON says leaving Manchester United was the best decision of his career… despite it resulting in him receiving the hairdryer treatment from Sir Alex Ferguson.
The 31-year-old came through the ranks at United but failed to make a senior appearance for the Red Devils and his decision to leave did not sit well with Fergie.
Tom Heaton joined Manchester United at the age of 11Getty Images
During his time at Old Trafford, Heaton was loaned out to Swindon, Royal Antwerp, Cardiff, QPR, Rochdale and Wycombe – before joining the Bluebirds in 2010.
Heaton told Sky Sports: “He [Ferguson] had me in the office to talk about a new contract and obviously I had decided it was time for me to go.
“He wasn’t best pleased at that moment in time.
“I had been there 13 years or so and I was walking out of the door on a free. The time and effort they had put in, I could understand it, but as ever, I have got so much respect for him.
Sir Alex Ferguson was disappointed with Tom Heaton’s decisionPA:Press AssociationTom Heaton is now captain and a key player for BurnleyReuters
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“I always felt I needed to go and earn the stripes really. I always felt I was going to be good enough, I just wanted to go and get the experience, the practical experience, and at that point I didn’t have it.
“That was probably the best decision I made. It was my decision. I stand by the decision, it was a tough one to make, with it being Manchester United having signed there as an 11-year-old.”
After two years with Cardiff, he joined Bristol City in 2012 for one season, before arriving at Burnley in 2013 and since gone to earn to two caps for England.
Tom Heaton hugged Wayne Rooney during their league match against Man UtdReutersThe ‘keeper has two England capsGetty Images
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