Man Utd have decided to keep the veteran at the club for another season.
Tom Heaton has officially signed a new one-year deal with Manchester United after he was originally set to leave the club for free in the summer transfer window.
The 39-year-old has only made three appearances in four seasons with United, with his last competitive appearance in the 7-0 League Cup victory over Barnsley last August. His other appearances came in a 3-0 League Cup victory over Charlton and a cameo from the bench in a Champions League draw with Young Boys.
Ruben Amorim would eventually like to refresh his goalkeeper options, but appreciates the need for some stability this summer as other areas of the pitch take priority. United are in the market for a new back-up goalkeeper, with Andre Onana expected to remain at the club for another season before his future is assessed in a year.
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Tom Heaton reacts to new Manchester United deal
Tom Heaton will enter his 20th season as a professional footballer since he made his debut on loan with Swindon Town in 2005. The 39-year-old never made a competitive appearance during his first-spell with the club but has played a key role since he returned to Old Trafford back in 2021.
Heaton has made three senior appearances for the England national side and was involved in their Euro 2024 training camp last summer to provide additional cover in goal. On his new United deal, he said: "I am extremely proud to continue to represent Manchester United. As a group, we are all really excited for the season ahead. I am ready to support the team in every capacity as we prepare to get back to challenging for the biggest honours.”
Director of Football, Jason Wilcox added: “Tom’s leadership and experience are really important for the group so we’re pleased that he will be part of the squad again next season. Tom’s mentality and excellent preparation to ensure that he is always ready to perform when called upon makes him the perfect complement to our goalkeeping group.”
Manchester United could still sign a new goalkeeper this summer, but are more likely to move for a back-up to replace Altay Bayindir than a first-choice to rival Andre Onana. It is important they have a reliable alternative in net next season, given Onana is likely to represent Cameroon at the Africa Cup of Nations midway through the season.
It has already been confirmed Victor Lindelof and Christian Eriksen will become free agents when their respective deals expire next month, though Heaton won’t be on the search for a new club. It represents a twist for United, after Fabrizio Romano revealed in April he was also set to depart: “Tom Heaton and Jonny Evans are both set to leave Manchester United at the end of the season, plan confirmed.”
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