Roland Cutinho
Tom Heaton ready to stay at Manchester United after preseason opportunities
As stated by the Manchester Evening News, Manchester United goalkeeper Tom Heaton is set to remain with the club this summer, after holding talks with head coach Erik ten Hag.
The 37-year-old is currently one of three senior goalkeepers at Old Trafford, alongside new arrival Andre Onana and Dean Henderson.
It is expected that Henderson will make a permanent move to Nottingham Forest soon, which could prompt United to sign another goalkeeper, likely to serve as a backup to Onana.
Heaton could potentially find himself as the third-choice goalkeeper next season at United, with limited prospects of regular playing time.
The Englishman had a one-year contract extension activated, keeping him at the club until June 2024. While there had been uncertainty surrounding his future at Old Trafford, Heaton is now set to remain with the Red Devils this summer.
This turn of events happened after the veteran keeper held talks with manager Ten Hag. The 37-year-old was handed five appearances in a possible seven preseason matches. This trust shown by the Dutch boss is said to have changed the English shot-stopper’s stance regarding his future at the club. He is now ready to stay and fight for his place at Old Trafford.
Heaton was also handed the captain’s armband against Athletic Bilbao in a friendly match on Sunday. The keeper later admitted that he was proud to lead his side.
This is a wise move by Ten Hag, who would be hesitant to let his experienced player leave due to the current goalkeeping situation at the club. Everton and Luton Town have shown interest in signing the United star, but it seems that they will be unable to get him this summer.
Heaton, who began his professional career at Man United, did not make a first-team appearance for the club before departing for Cardiff City in 2010. After leaving Aston Villa, he returned to Old Trafford in 2021. However, he has made only three appearances for the club in his second stint.
The goalkeeper has yet to feature in the Premier League for the Red Devils, with his two appearances during the 2022-23 season taking place in the EFL Cup. He could be rooting to get a chance to feature in Ten Hag’s starting XI in the PL next season.
The former Burnley star is highly regarded as one of the best second-choice goalkeepers in the league. It’s understandable why Ten Hag is reluctant to let him leave, given the experience and quality he brings to the team.
More Manchester United News
- Tom Heaton ‘surprised’ to be named Manchester United captain vs Athletic Bilbao
- Interview: Rasmus Hojlund’s first words after official Manchester United transfer
- AS Roma eyeing move for Manchester United star Scott McTominay this summer
Heaton‘s abilities would easily make him a starter for most mid-table Premier League teams. As for United, they could count on the English shot-stopper when they need to rotate their squad.
We expect that there will be little change in the club’s goalkeeping department until and unless a major development comes along.
