He returned to the club four years ago as a Premier League veteran and a full England international and was finally given a much-deserved debut when United played Young Boys in December 2021.
That was one of only three competitive matches Heaton has appeared in since re-signing but the 39-year-old’s influence on the squad has transcended managers, and the reason for keeping him on for another year is more subtle than his ability to save shots.
Last summer, after he'd signed another one-year contract extension, Tom travelled to Euro 2024 with England as a training goalkeeper – despite it being seven years since he’d won the last of his three caps.
Manager Gareth Southgate alluded to Tom’s qualities at the time, mentioning his ‘invaluable role’ and the desire to ‘create a positive environment’ at the tournament in Germany, where the Three Lions went all the way to the final.