Tony Coton reveals the advice he gave to Tom Heaton ahead of Senne Lammens’ arrival at Manchester United.
The £18 million signing of Senne Lammens last summer has proven to be a success for Manchester United.
Lammens, 23, replaced Andre Onana to become United’s first-choice goalkeeper despite joining from Royal Antwerp with limited experience.
Goalkeeper scout Tony Coton played a key role in signing Lammens at a time when other options were being considered by United, such as Aston Villa’s Emiliano Martinez.
Tom Heaton warming up
Photo by Ben Roberts – Danehouse/Getty Images
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Tony Coton told Tom Heaton to monitor Senne Lammens
It feels like the first time, in a long time, that United fans have a right to feel confident about the first-choice goalkeeper.
That was never the case with Onana following his 2023 transfer from Inter Milan. The Cameroon international was sent on loan to Trabzonspor after Lammens completed his move from Belgium.
The signing of Lammens has boosted Coton’s reputation as a scout. He has also played a role in aiding the stopper’s development since arriving at Old Trafford.
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Speaking on United’s Inside Carrington podcast, Coton revealed that he encouraged experienced goalkeeper Tom Heaton to mentor Lammens.
“And Tom [Heaton], it’s a unique role being the number three,” Coton said.
“He’s experienced, he’s been there. He’s probably had, I still think he could go out and do a job for somebody and play first-team football.
“His fitness levels are very good.
“All the sports science people tell me he’s in excellent shape. But like you said, he’s sort of glued himself to Senne, which I asked him to do at the start because Senne was coming over as a young goalkeeper. And I said, Tom, he needs a mentor.
“He needs somebody to guide him, show him around and tell him about how big this club is. And Tom’s done that impeccably. You know, as I say, he’s one of the best pros that I’ve ever met.”
That’s high praise for Heaton, and it remains to be seen if he will be given another one-year extension at the end of the season.
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Tom Heaton warming up against Nottingham Forest
Photo by James Holyoak/MB Media/Getty Images
When did Tom Heaton last play for Man Utd?
Heaton last made a competitive appearance for United in February 2023.
It was the second leg of the Carabao Cup semi-final against Nottingham Forest.
The United stopper kept a clean sheet as United won the match 2-0 at Old Trafford.
Heaton had also appeared in the Carabao Cup win over Charlton Athletic in the previous round.
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