It was a night of ups and downs for Manchester United's Di'Shon Bernard on Thursday, who marked his debut with an own goal.

But for his former teachers back in Carshalton, nothing could take away from the pride they felt watching their former pupil run around for the Red Devils.

"Di’Shon joined Barrow Hedges Primary when he was ten and immediately stood out as an excellent footballer," the school's PE teacher Kelly Wallis told the Sutton Guardian.

"His ability and knowledge of the game was outstanding.

"We were confident he would go on and play at the highest level. We are all extremely proud of him for making his debut."

Di'Shon was one of six debutants who took the pitch against Astana in a 2-1 Europa League defeat.

Ultimately an own goal from the 19-year-old Bernard was the difference, but Man U goalkeeper Lee Grant does not believe that should detract from a fine first appearance by the defender.

"There's absolutely no need to rally around him because he's smart enough to know that he's actually played really well tonight," the goalkeeper told the PA news agency.

"I've just watched both goals back and his positioning is excellent and the second one is unbelievable.

"He's got himself back into a fantastic area and he's even done the right thing in standing up, keeping his body square and it comes off a chest and a shoulder and hits the post and it's gone in.

"It's one of those things. It's really difficult for him to predict that outcome.

"But he's smart enough to know he's played well and has got a bright future ahead of him."

Di’Shon represented Sutton Schools FA in 2011/12 when he played for the boys’ U11 borough team.

"An outstanding talent," Roger Easthope OBE, Sutton Schools’ FA, borough U11 team manager added.

"Di’Shon stood out as a star for the future, going on to represent our county in the Surrey Schools’ FA U11 team.

"Even at primary school, he was already dedicated to improving his game.

"What a great achievement to now have made his debut for Manchester United."