Heinze Impresses on Debut Day

By Chris O'Brien
September 12 2004

Gabriel Heinze impressed on his debut, looking comfortable in the unfamiliar left-back position and netting a rare goal as his new club drew 2-2 at the Reebok Stadium. His performance and a handful of other positives will have reminded supporters that it is not all doom and gloom at Old Trafford.

After all the controversy that surrounded his opening month as a Manchester United player, Gabriel Heinze was arguably the most impressive Red Devil on show during the disappointing 2-2 draw at the hands of Lancastrian rivals Bolton Wanderes.

Reports suggested a riff between Sir Alex Ferguson and the tough tackler was taking place before the defender had even kicked a ball in anger for his new club. Heinze's decision to represent Argentina during the Olympic Games angered the United boss, although his performances for his country during their gold medal success was an early indication that the £6.9million paid by the club for his services were well worth it.

Heinze tends to play at centre-half, but Ferguson started the Argentinean at left-back at the Reebok Stadium in a position he insists suits the 26-year-old best. Commitment and work-rate were noticeable from the summer acquisition as he looked solid at full back, and he capped off a pleasing debut with a rare goal which opened the scoring in a nervous derby game at Bolton's home.

His display could even have earned him the forgiveness of Ferguson, who was highly complimentary of his new defender following the score draw. He commented favourably on Heinze's desire to put in a big performance despite a tiring summer which saw him not only in action in Athens, but also playing at the back for Argentina in the Copa America.

"Gabriel has just arrived after playing in the Copa America and the Olympics," said the Scotsman.

"He has been travelling all the time and only met his team-mates on Tuesday for the first time. It was a big ask but he coped well."

Heinze's performance was one of the few positives Ferguson has to look at following another result which saw United lose ground in the Championship race. Only 5 games into the new campaign, Arsenal are already 9 points ahead of the F.A Cup Winners and shaky performances mean teams are facing us without fear and even at Old Trafford look hopeful of getting a result. Meanwhile, Arsenal have teams dreading a visit to North London, and Chelsea are looking hard to beat.

Things could be getting better though. Ruud Van Nistelrooy was back in the fold on Saturday, albeit looking very rusty up front before he was eventually replaced by David Bellion. Rio Ferdinand's return from suspension looms large, whilst his defensive partner Wesley Brown was another player returning from injury against Sam Allardyce's Wanderers on the weekend. It is not all doom and gloom just yet.