Manchester United have struggled desperately between the posts in the last couple of years.
First-choice option Andre Onana was terribly inconsistent during his time in Manchester and has now been loaned to Turkish side Trabzonspor with a return to Old Trafford looking unlikely.
The unconvincing Altay Bayindir has played every Premier League game so far this season, although deadline day signing Senne Lammens is expected to be given an opportunity in the coming months.
All the while 39-year-old Tom Heaton has watched on from the sidelines.
Minimal first-team minutes
Despite the struggles of Onana and Bayindir leading to calls for Heaton to be handed some game time last season, Ruben Amorim avoided the temptation.
In fact, Heaton has made only three senior appearances for the Red Devils since rejoining the club where he started his career in 2021.
Eleven years after leaving for Cardiff City, the Englishman made his United debut in a 1-1 Champions League draw with Young Boys in 2021. He also played twice in United’s successful Carabao Cup run in 2023.
Preparing for life after retirement
Heaton’s contract expires at the end of this season and the goalkeeper, who by then will be 40 years old, is not expected to be given a new one.
According to The Sun Heaton is now making plans for his first steps beyond his playing career as he “weighs up his options” ahead of the end of his United contract.
The outlet report that he has completed a coaching course and is also open to punditry, having already worked on BBC 5Live coverage of England’s 7-0 drubbing of North Macedonia in 2023.
Important squad member
Despite his lack of minutes the 39-year-old is an important part of Amorim’s squad, where he is a member of the Portuguese’s notorious leadership group.
His reputation for professionalism and leadership should stand him in good stead for either career choice.
Heaton signed a one-year extension to his contract in the summer. As per The Sun, United’s Director of Football Jason Wilcox said at the time that the player’s “leadership and experience are really important for the group so we are 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.”
Feature image Orlando Ramirez via Getty Images
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Joe Ponting
Joe has spent more than half his life writing about football and all of it following United. As a child he told a doctor his name was ‘Paul Scholes’, but could never pick a pass like him no matter how much he tried.
