40-year-old goalkeeper Tom Heaton has been handed a brand new contract at Manchester United, with director of football Jason Wilcox saying he plays a key role on the club.
The three-cap England international initially joined the club as a youngster but went on to make his name elsewhere, playing for Cardiff, Bristol City, Burnley and Aston Villa.
The stopper made a surprise return to Old Trafford in 2021 but has only played a back-up role since then to numerous first-choice ‘keepers.
Heaton has made three appearances within the last five seasons, two within the EFL Cup and one within the Champions League.
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It just isn’t all in regards to the XI on the pitch, though, and Heaton has been hailed as an excellent influence on the club.
The veteran is particularly influential for young goalkeeper Senne Lammens, who arrived on the club from Royal Antwerp last 12 months, but on training sessions as a complete.
Heaton has now penned a brand new one-year deal at Old Trafford and Wilcox is more than happy that he’s staying.
‘We’re delighted that Tom is constant for an additional 12 months,’ said the Red Devils director of football. ‘Everyone seems to be well aware of the importance of his leadership and professionalism throughout the group.
‘Tom has played a key role in helping to support Senne throughout his first season within the Premier League; his constant dedication and mentality set a implausible standard for our goalkeeping group.’
Heaton himself added: ‘It is a big honour to proceed to represent Manchester United.
‘You’ll be able to feel the determination and ambition of everyone throughout the club to maintain pushing for achievement. I’m really excited to play my role in driving us forward and helping the group to compete for the most important honours.’
Departing Manchester United star Casemiro, who has played with a few of the best to ever do it with Real Madrid and Brazil, picked out Heaton as someone who is significant to driving standards.
‘Tom Heaton is an important person for us, he’s very necessary for us because he pushes the training,’ Casemiro 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.
‘After all 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.’
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