Manchester United Agree New Deal With Goalkeeper

 Manchester United are undergoing a massive summer rebuild after finishing 15th in the Premier League and are set to re-sign one of their goalkeepers.

Manager Ruben Amorim has already brought in Wolverhampton Wanderers attacker Matheus Cunha and is now extending the contract of third-choice goalkeeper Tom Heaton.

The 39-year-old returned to Old Trafford in 2021, 11 years after originally leaving, and is now set to sign on for a fifth year, as reported by Goal.

Experienced player needed by Amorim

Heaton is the oldest player in the Red Devils’ squad and is seen as a helpful backup ‘keeper who can also offer advice and guidance to younger members of the team.

The former England international made his return to the club four years ago following a two-year spell at fellow top-flight side Aston Villa and, despite only making three appearances since then, his role in the team is important to Amorim.

As he looks to build a side capable of Champions League qualification, the Portuguese manager, who is just one year older than Heaton, will need to rely on his experience to guide the side up the table.

His importance has also grown recently following the departures of defenders Jonny Evans and Victor Lindelof, as well as midfielder Christian Eriksen, all of whom are at least 30 years old.

This has left United’s squad with just four players (Casemiro, Harry Maguire, Bruno Fernandes and Heaton) who are past their 20s, showing the depth of young talent that Amorim has to work with.

The presence of Heaton around the changing room will help to improve his teammates‘ professionalism and work ethic, which United fans will hope will lead to a much-improved finish next season.

Heaton’s story at Old Trafford

The veteran stopper, who was born in Chester and spent time in rivals Wrexham’s academy, joined the Red Devils’ youth set-up as a 16-year-old, before progressing into the first team under Sir Alex Ferguson three years later.

After zero appearances and several loan spells away from the club, he joined Cardiff City permanently in 2010 and went on to win the Championship with Burnley in 2016.

He made his long-awaited return to Old Trafford five years later and has become a valued member off the pitch, whilst playing twice in the Carabao Cup and once in the Champions League.

He is now the fifth-longest serving player in the team and could move up in the rankings if further departures are announced.

United’s goalkeeping situation

Heaton will remain as deputy to Andre Onana and Altay Bayindir and is unlikely to feature on the pitch at any point during the 2025/26 campaign.

However, whilst his future at the club is set to be confirmed, Onana’s may be more uncertain.

The Cameroon international has come under criticism for numerous mistakes since he arrived from Italian side Inter Milan in 2023 and there are rumours that United may be looking to bring in someone to challenge him, even if he stays in Manchester.

Other areas of the team are also set to be revamped, with Brentford’s Bryan Mbuemo seemingly close to moving to the Premier League giants.

The attacker would provide competition for Cunha and Fernandes or could displace one of Joshua Zirkzee or Rasmus Hojlund in the striker position.

Young Paraguayan defender Diego Leon has already secured a summer move to the Red Devils, with his £3.3 million deal being confirmed back in January.