“It’s coming at some point”: United veteran sheds light on what post-playing career will look like

Manchester United’s back-up keeper Tom Heaton has spoken about his future and his current role at the club. Career Heaton joined the Manchester United academy in 2002. He spent eight years at the club before moving to Cardiff City. The goalkeeper went on to enjoy successful spells with Burnley and Aston Villa in the Premier League. Heaton rejoined Manchester United in 2021 under Ole Gunnar Solskjaer and has been the third-choice keeper ever since, making a total of three appearances for the club. Preparing for the future The keeper is 39 years old and in the 20th year of his career, so is logically thinking about his future after his playing days are behind him. Speaking to the Inside Carrington Podcast, he revealed that he has been doing a lot of courses to give himself options for the future. He stated, “I did an executive leadership short course from Oxford University. I’ve done my B-Licence goalkeeper coach, B-Licence outfield, A-Licence outfield, a certificate of football management from UEFA.” Elaborating further, he explained, “I’ve done a few different things over the years, just to upskill in areas off the pitch which I might not fully understand. It’s been a good journey, I’ve met some brilliant people along the way. I’m still not 100 per cent sure what direction I’m going to go in once I’ve finished playing.” Heaton is enjoying preparing himself for the future, but he is still unsure of what the future holds. He added, “I still feel quite good at this moment in time but, of course, it’s coming at some point. I’m open minded is the honest answer.” Heaton signed a new deal in June 2025 until this summer, but it is still unclear what will happen when his current contract comes to an end. Tom Heaton career stats ClubAppearancesYears Active Man United32002-2010, 2021- Aston Villa 202019-21 Burnley 2002013-2019 Bristol City442012-13 Cardiff City402010-12 Source: Wikipedia Feature image Orlando Ramirez via Getty Images The Peoples Person has been one of the world’s leading Man United news sites for over a decade. Follow us on Bluesky: @peoplesperson.bsky.social Alex Browne Alex is a huge Manchester United fan, inspired by greats of his homeland such as George Best, Harry Gregg and Norman Whiteside. Alex has a Master’s degree from Queen’s University Belfast and La Universitat Rovira i Virgili in Tarragona, Spain. Having lived in the country since 2011, Alex is The Peoples Person’s Spanish football expert and is fluent in both Spanish and Catalan. He dreams of witnessing a United captain triumphantly hoisting the Premier League and Champions League trophy in the air once more.