An unfortunate Manchester United fan was struck by a ball during the warm-up at the Amex Stadium on Sunday, only for third-choice goalkeeper Tom Heaton to step in to show his class.
Manchester United beat Brighton 3-0 in the final game of the season, with Bruno Fernandes breaking the record for most assists in one Premier League campaign.
Patrick Dorgu and Bryan Mbeumo also got on the scoresheet to seal the win over Brighton, while Senne Lammens kept his eighth clean sheet of the season.
Tom Heaton earned applause from United fans despite not making an appearance.
Give your INSTANT REACTIONS to Manchester United beating Brighton 3-0⚡️
What a performance to end the season!
Tom Heaton checks on Man Utd fan hit with ball
It was a wonderful day in Brighton with the sun shining and United’s travelling support in full voice.
To make matters better, United came away from the game with three points, though Brighton still managed to secure a place in the Europa Conference League for next season.
When the players took to the pitch before kick-off for the warm-up, one unlucky United fan was hit in the face by a stray ball.
According to Samuel Luckhurst of The Sun, Heaton went into the away end and headed up a few rows to check the elderly fan’s well-being.
The United fans at the Amex Stadium responded by applauding Heaton for his classy gesture.
Heaton has not played for United since February 2023, in a 2-0 victory over Nottingham Forest in the Carabao Cup.
The 40-year-old has made three appearances for United’s first team.
- ⚡️ NEWS IN BRIEF
- An elderly Manchester United fan was struck in the face by a stray ball during the warm-ups at the Amex Stadium
- Tom Heaton went into the away end to check on the fan’s well-being
- United fans showed their appreciation by applauding Heaton for his classy gesture
🔴⚪️⚫️Sum up the 2025/26 season for Manchester United…
A fourth highest points tally since Sir Alex Ferguson retired!⚡️
Tom Heaton joins Man Utd’s 40s club
Heaton turned 40 on 15 April.
In doing so, the United Academy graduate became one of a few players to be on the club’s books at the age of 40 or beyond.
Billy Meredith made his final appearance for United in 1921 at the age of 46 years and 281 days.
In 2011, Edwin van der Sar was 40 years and 217 days old when he made his final Premier League outing, six days after losing the 2011 Champions League final.
Ryan Giggs also reached 40 before retiring at United.
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