Pranav Nair
Transfer News: Manchester United set to announce Tom Heaton on July 1
According to Football Insider (h/t Manchester Evening News), Manchester United will announce the signing of Tom Heaton on July 1.
The veteran goalkeeper is a free agent after being released by Aston Villa. With Sergio Romero now out of the picture, Heaton will add depth to the riches of United’s goalkeeping options.
As per the report, Heaton’s return to Old Trafford is all but done with just the official announcement pending. The 35-year-old goalkeeper is a former graduate of the United academy. He failed to make a single appearance for the Red Devils and left for greener pastures in 2010
Heaton’s arrival will be the latest salvo in what is effectively a goalkeeping shakeup at United. Joel Pereira and Jacob Carney have also been released, while Lee Grant is set for contract negotiations.
Heaton’s arrival could suggest that Ole Gunnar Solskjaer is ready to make a decision on his goalkeeping conundrum. In David de Gea and Dean Henderson, he has two able goalkeepers.
While both of them took turns starting in goal last season, the Norwegian manager is keen to avoid the same scenario next season. Who he eventually picks remains to be seen.
Heaton, however, has bigger ambitions and does not appear to just be an inert figure on the bench. He is keen to challenge for a starting spot and intends to do just that.
While it is unlikely that he will come out on top, added competition is a welcome contribution.
More Manchester United News
- David de Gea sends message to fellow Manchester United goalkeeper Joel Pereira after release
- Transfer News: Erling Haaland pursued intensely by Chelsea amid Manchester United links
- Transfer News: Manchester United ‘eye’ Dusan Vlahovic as alternative to Erling Haaland
Heaton appears to be the first signing we will make this summer. While he is not the most glamorous, he does serve a purpose and is best viewed as a contingency rather than a priority.
