The transfer window at Manchester United is now set to gather momentum with personnel hires in executive structure taking shape.
Dan Ashworth and Christopher Vivell have been finalised so the focus turns to strengthening the team on the pitch.
United’s hands are tied a bit due to restrictions under Profit and Sustainability rules so they are in a position where they have to sell to buy.
In such a situation, keeping the players deemed important is almost as important as buying new ones and adding to the wage bill.
United took one step closer to that goal by finalising a one-year contract extension for one of their most important dressing room figures.
United finalise contract extension with a key presence
United have agreed a one-year contract extension with veteran Tom Heaton, a deal the player himself announced as done on his Instagram.
He said: “I am delighted to continue my stay at my boyhood club. I still feel in great shape and I am ready to offer whatever the squad needs throughout the season ahead.
“In addition to on the pitch, I’m learning so much off it for the next steps in my career, whatever that may be, but first and foremost I want to push the squad to build on our successes from last season.”
The 38-year-old was out of contract since June 30th of this year but parties were relaxed about his status as there was mutual interest in a renewal.
Peach reports that Heaton fielded interest from other clubs as well but chose to stay at Old Trafford instead.
He is currently away with the England team at the Euros where he was called up to be a part of the training group.
Heaton came through the United academy and spent six years with the club, from 2005-2010 but failed to make a senior league appearance.
He rejoined in 2021 as a veteran presence and since then, has grown in stature and importance due to his dressing room leader status.
Heaton brings intangibles to the squad
This deal is not a reward for how many goals Heaton will save for United over the course of a season.
Multiple managers have talked about how important the goalkeeper is in the dressing room, while players have also praised his impact.
Heaton is believed to have a strong personality and professionalism which is good to rub off on younger players.
He was close to leaving last summer but Erik ten Hag blocked his move as his importance to the squad grew further in light of David de Gea and Dean Henderson’s departure.
At the time, he was the only goalkeeper who had been at the club for a while as United brought new No 1 and No 2 in Andre Onana and Altay Bayindir.
The role of Heaton then became that of a mentor who helped both settle into life at Manchester United.
He has only made three appearances for the club across all competitions since joining in 2021 but his leadership plus homegrown status made this deal a no-brainer for United to extend.
Jonny Evans is expected to join him soon after impressing last season in remarkable circumstances.
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