Tom Heaton is set to stay at Manchester United as Ruben Amorim looks to take advantage of having the veteran goalkeeper in his squad.
Although most were led to believe that Tom Heaton would leave Manchester United in the summer, reports last week suggested United had opened fresh talks for the former England international to remain at Old Trafford for another year.
Ineos are planning an overhaul of United’s first-team squad in the summer, after a disastrous season that will see them finish in the bottom half of the Premier League.
There is a feeling Ruben Amorim can still salvage the season by winning his first trophy as United coach when the Red Devils take on Tottenham Hotspur in the Europa League final.
Heaton is unlikely to have any involvement in the final on 21 May, after not making an appearance in 26 months, but there is a valid reason behind Ineos’ thinking to not get rid of him just yet.
Why Man Utd are keen for Tom Heaton to stay
With Heaton set to remain at Old Trafford for at least another season, he’s likely to remain third-choice keeper this summer.
United have started talks with Heaton because his current deal is set to expire in June.
There is some uncertainty over the future of the second-choice keeper Altay Bayindir, which could speed up plans to sign a younger keeper to compete with Andre Onana. That could mean Heaton will be tasked with providing invaluable experience that would benefit any prospect stopper after joining the club.
Having Heaton around will also help other young goalkeepers at the club, including Radek Vitek. It helps that he has always been a model professional during his two separate spells with United.
The former Burnley and Aston Villa keeper knows what it takes to come through United’s academy before he left the club in 2010, before he established a career in the Premier League.
It wasn’t until December 2021 that Heaton made his United first-team debut as a 35-year-old against Young Boys in the Champions League.
Heaton has earned a lot of experience throughout his career and is now in a position to lead the next generation by example.
Heaton’s influence on England’s Euro 2024 campaign
It’s a credit to Heaton that he has held familiar roles in the past, guiding players in a coaching capacity as a senior professional.
Heaton could even be in line for a coaching role when he retires from the game, which is a conversation likely to be had in the next year as he turns 40.
Although Heaton only made three appearances for England during his international career, Gareth Southgate called on him for Euro 2024 to accept the role of training goalkeeper for last summer’s tournament.
England went on to reach the final before losing 2-1 against Spain on 14 July 2024.
United will hope Heaton can continue to be a useful presence around Carrington next season and be ready, if he’s ever called upon again.
from United In Focus https://ift.tt/34q8aX6