Football Today
·2 July 2024
Football Today
·2 July 2024
Manchester United have announced that goalkeeper Tom Heaton has signed a new one-year deal with the club.
Just as the case was last year, the Englishman had offers from other clubs but will stay with the Red Devils for one more season after deciding to extend his contract.
Heaton is currently at the European Championship with England after receiving a late call-up to join the Three Lions as a training goalkeeper.
The 38-year-old has largely been a training goalkeeper at Man United since joining as a free agent in the summer of 2021 upon his return to the Old Trafford club after 11 years.
Heaton made no first-team appearance last term but has played in three games since he rejoined the Red Devils.
The former Burnley star will remain third-choice behind Andre Onana and Altay Bayindir and will be ready to take his position in goal if the need ever arises next season.
Everton and Luton Town were both interested in signing the English goalkeeper last summer and he spoke with Erik ten Hag as he wanted to consider his future having seen very little action at Man United.
However, the Dutchman convinced him to remain with the club and appears to have done so again this time around.
Heaton will have to make do with a permanent place on the Man United bench for the fourth season running, and he is satisfied with the role despite expressing a wish to leave for where he can get the opportunity to play last year.
The veteran goalie has become a leader in the dressing room and is part of the leadership group comprising the likes of Luke Shaw, Marcus Rashford, Casemiro and Lisandro Martinez.
Keeping such a player makes plenty of sense as he is an influential figure behind the scenes, and Man United will look to retain the services of other key players going forward.