MANCHESTER UNITED’S Tobin Heath expects the women’s top-flight to be “crazy competitive” with a third Champion’s League spot up for grabs this term.
And the World Cup-winning USA star admitted to “nerding out” the first time she set foot on the club’s Old Trafford turf.
Tobin Heath admitted to getting’the feels’ the first time she stepped on the pitch at Old Trafford Credit: USA TODAY Sports
Heath, 32, is among the big-name US stars who made high-profile moves to the Women’s Super League this month.
The last time the American ace set foot on United’s pitch was during the 2012 Olympics.
Her international side beat Canada to seal their place in the tournament’s finals.
Heath said: “Any footballer’s dream would be to play for Manchester United and to play at Old Trafford.
“I had all the feels when going back there. I was nerding out before and during the Olympics when we played there.
“I think in our first game, there was a group stage match and then we played that epic, semi-final against Canada.
“The pitch just has this iconic feeling about it and it’s just such an iconic venue for any footballer.”
Heath will be part of Casey Stoney’s United squad following a one-year deal she signed with the team this month.
Two-time World Cup winner Heath signed a one-year deal with Man United this monthCredit: Getty Images – Getty
Other big-name US arrivals who made temporary WSL moves include Tottenham’s Alex Morgan and Manchester City’s Sam Mewis and Rose Lavelle.
Heath hopes her performances for Stoney’s side, who are currently fourth in the table, will help the team challenge for major trophies.
Pretty much my whole footballing education and introduction was through English football
Tobin Heath
The USA star added: “It’s definitely a more unique set-up here. There are a lot more things to compete for.
“There’s the big league title, the cup and also Champions League spots.
“And having that third Champions League spot added this year is going to be crazy competitive”
Heath’s international team-mate Alex Morgan is among the US women’s football stars who have switched to the WSL Credit: Getty Images – Getty
Heath, who is a big Arsenal fan, says her introduction to the English game came from growing up watching the Premier League on TV.
The USA international could be set to make her league debut when United take on Hope Powell’s Brighton side on October 4.
And the Red Devils midfielder is excited about the prospect of taking on United’s WSL rivals under Stoney.
I’m hoping she (Casey Stoney) can not only continue to propel this team to big things but for me as well
Tobin Heath
Heath added: “Pretty much my whole footballing education and introduction was through English football.
“When TV rights started becoming more prominent in the US with all the games, it was something as a football fan that was just a dream to be able to watch.
Heath (left) and her USA team-mates beat England in the 2019 Women’s World Cup semis before winning the tournament Credit: AP:Associated Press
“I’ve had a few, a few training sessions to get to know Casey’s personality a bit.
“She’s all business and she really cares about the players.
“I’m hoping she can not only continue to propel this team to big things but for me as well.”
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Source: Soccer - thesun.co.uk
