Manchester United manager Ruben Amorim has been told the “priority” that one influential first-team player will play on the pitch and another “role” off it as well.
Ruben Amorim saw his first major summer signing arrive at Old Trafford in June, with Manchester United signing Matheus Cunha from Wolves for a £62.5m fee.
Matheus Cunha was heavily linked with United and the 26-year-old Brazilian star linked up with his new Red Devils teammate for pre-season training this week.
Joining former Wolves ace Cunha at the Premier League club this summer is Paraguayan wonderkid Diego Leon, who finally completed his move to Old Trafford.
United agreed to sign Diego Leon back in January when he was only 17 years old and the 18-year-old left-back’s official transfer was announced this month.
Leon, much like fellow Red Devils summer signing Cunha, was part of the initial 15 United players who reported at Carrington for pre-season training under Amorim.
Why Ruben Amorim can rely on Tom Heaton to help new Man Utd signings Diego Leon and Matheus Cunha
Ruben Amorim’s expected transfer business is far from done and the Manchester United manager is still set to see new signings arrive at Old Trafford this summer.
Tom Heaton came through the United youth academy and made his return to the Premier League club in 2021 after his contract with Aston Villa expired.
Despite coming through the ranks at United during the Sir Alex Ferguson era, Heaton would make his first-team Red Devils debut against Young Boys in 2021.
Heaton inked a new contract with United in June and he said that his “role” includes “being supportive” to new signings like Diego Leon and Matheus Cunha.
“My priority is playing and working hard to try and get in the team,” he told Manchester United’s official website.
“That’s always the priority, but as a senior player, and someone who signed at 11, left aged 24 and came back at 35, the values of this football club are ingrained inside me and I want to make sure that new players who come into the building have an understanding of what the club means to the fans, what the traditions are, what the values are, as well as accepting that it also requires a period to evolve.
“I see that as part of my role, being supportive. Even with the new players, Matheus [Cunha] and Diego [Leon] coming through the door, offering that support if they need anything.”
Tom Heaton speaks out on his role at Man Utd and the impact of Bruno Fernandes under Man Utd manager Ruben Amorim
Tom Heaton’s deal was a one-year extension and the ex-England international has been a rotational option with Altay Bayindir and Andre Onana between the sticks.
The 39-year-old veteran shot-stopper talked up his mentality to play for United and hailed the influence that Red Devils Bruno Fernandes has had at Old Trafford.
“I think it’s about driving yourself and people see that, so people see that when you’re at it, you’re doing things properly, that’s the first marker,” Heaton said.
“It’s a big part of it in my position at this moment.
“And Bruno [Fernandes, club captain] and I have a brilliant relationship, so I try and help him in any way I possibly can. I think he does a magnificent job.”
Heaton has made three United first-team appearances during his time at Old Trafford and his current deal will expire with the Red Devils in June 2026.
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