Manchester United are considering offering a brand new contract to 40-year-old goalkeeper Tom Heaton, despite playing just thrice in five years.
The England international first joined the Red Devils in 2002, coming through the academy but never making a breakthrough into the primary team.
He went on a string of loan spells elsewhere before joining Cardiff City permanently in 2010 and happening to enjoy one of the best stint of his profession with Burnley from 2013-19.
It was during his time with the Clarets that he won his three England caps, going to Euro 2016 with the Three Lions.
Heaton had two seasons at Aston Villa before a shock return to Manchester United in 2021, where he has been ever since.
He still hasn’t turned out within the Premier League for the Red Devils, making two League Cup appearances and one within the Champions League since rejoining the club.
The veteran stopper might not be featuring on the pitch, but he is taken into account a vital and positive presence within the dressing room and on the training pitch.
The Sun report that Manchester United are considering extending Heaton’s stay on the club, with the added bonus that he counts as a homegrown and club-trained player, helping meet Premier League and UEFA rules.
Outgoing midfielder Casemiro has talked up the influence of Heaton on the club, saying he is a superb presence in training and even in games.
‘Tom Heaton may be very vital person for us, he’s very vital for us because he pushes the training,’ the Brazil international said on Rio Ferdinand Presents.
‘The very first thing is he pushes the training. He pushes each time the training. He pushes in the sport.
‘In fact he doesn’t play, but he pushes each time. He explains experiences, he speaks thoroughly. Every room needs a Tom, everyone needs this guy. He helps the room a lot.’
When Heaton signed his current deal last 12 months, extending his contract until the top of the present season, Manchester United director of football Jason Wilcox hailed the veteran’s influence as well.
‘Tom’s leadership and experience are really vital for the group so we’re pleased that he shall be a part of the squad again next season,’ said Wilcox.
‘Tom’s mentality and excellent preparation to be sure that he’s at all times able to perform when called upon makes him the proper complement to our goalkeeping group.’
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Speaking about his own profession planning earlier this season, Heaton told Inside Carrington: ‘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.
‘I’ve done a couple of various things through the years, simply to upskill in areas off the pitch which could not fully understand.
‘It’s been a superb journey, I’ve met some good people along the way in which. I’m still not 100 per cent sure what direction I’m going to go in once I’ve finished playing.
‘I still feel quite good at this moment in time but, in fact, it’s coming in some unspecified time in the future. I’m open minded is the honest answer.’
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