Pranav Nair
Tom Heaton opens up following Manchester United return
Jadon Sancho may be on his way to Manchester United but it is English goalkeeper Tom Heaton who becomes the club’s first signing this summer.
The 35-year-old has agreed on a contract until June 2023, with the option for a further year. The veteran 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.
His arrival comes a day after Sergio Romero, Joel Pereira and Jacob Carney were all released. Given the uncertainty surrounding Lee Grant, Heaton is effectively now our third-choice goalkeeper.
The player for his part is happy to return home to where it all started. It is fair to say that his career is now coming full circle. Given his age, it is possible that this is his last hurrah at the Premier League level. Speaking to the club’s official site, he has now made his feelings clear.
“For me to have the opportunity to come back here after spending 13 great years here as a kid, yeah it’s an incredible feeling and I’m really, really excited to get started.”
Legendary manager Sir Alex Ferguson was not happy with Heaton’s decision to leave the club in 2010. However, he accepted the player’s decision and also vowed to be there for him when needed.
Heaton does not appear to be coming in just to make up the number. The veteran admits that he is feeling good and is in top shape. He failed to make a single appearance for the club at the senior level in his first spell. Whether the return will prove different remains to be seen.
“I’ve got my eyes firmly set on trying to get into the team and I’m looking forward to getting started on that journey.”
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In David de Gea and Dean Henderson, Solskjaer has two able goalkeepers. Heaton will find it difficult to displace either keeper. But he may also have a fairytale end to his career.
