Manchester United have confirmed the signing of goalkeeper Tom Heaton.
Heaton joins as a free agent after his Aston Villa contract expired on June 30.
Heaton has penned a two year deal to 2023 with an option of a further year.
Tom Heaton said: “For me to have the opportunity to come back after spending 13 great years here as a kid, it’s an incredible feeling and I’m really, really excited to get started.
“I’m just seeing it as a fantastic opportunity as I still feel I’ve got an awful lot to give and I’ve got the bit between my teeth.
“I’m looking forward to hitting the ground running. I feel in great shape and I’m looking forward to coming in to compete with the other goalkeepers.”
Heaton is United’s second signing of the summer following an announcement for Jadon Sancho.
Heaton has already completed his medical and signed the contract and will join United when pre-season begins in June.
He replaces Sergio Romero who was released, and Heaton could be elevated to number two goalkeeper if one of David de Gea or Dean Henderson leaves.
Heaton was previously part of United’s academy under Sir Alex Ferguson before leaving as a free agent in 2010. His exit even upset the Scot. Now his career has come full circle.
Tom Heaton: Returning Red
- Heaton was a United academy star
Heaton came through United’s academy and got to train with first team stars like Wayne Rooney. He made United’s bench in the Premier League but never quite made a first team appearance.
- Loans led to exit
Heaton went out on loan moves to Swindon, Royal Antwerp, Cardiff, QPR, Rochdale, and Wycombe. This gave him a taste to leave the club on a free and pursue first team football.
- Working his way to the Premier League
Heaton joined Cardiff before being snapped up by Bristol City and then Burnley. He helped them win promotion in 2013/14 to reach the Premier League.
- United nemesis and England call
Heaton became a mainstay for Burnley in the top flight, and memorably shut out Zlatan Ibrahimovic’s United in 2016. His form at Turf Moor earned him a call to the England squad where he won three caps.
- £8 million move to Villa
Aston Villa looked to Heaton to solve their goalkeeping crisis. His stint was ruined by an ACL injury in his first season. By time he returned to fitness he was used only as a back-up.
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