Tom Heaton is unsure whether he will leave Manchester United this summer, but he expects to speak with Erik Ten Hag about his future.
Heaton, 37, is a United Academy graduate who departed the club permanently in 2010 after failing to make a single league appearance. Since returning to Old Trafford in 2021, the veteran goalkeeper has made just three first-team appearances and has been linked with a move to Premier League newcomers Luton Town.
After releasing David de Gea and signing Andre Onana, Manchester United is in the midst of overhauling their goalkeeping options.
It remains to be seen whether Heaton will be around to contend for the No. 1 shirt with Onana. When asked about his future during United’s pre-season tour of the United States, he said, “It’s uncertain at the moment.” I’ll have to wait till I speak with the manager to see where we stand.
“I enjoy it here. I’ve been a member of our football club for a long time, but I can’t deny that I enjoy playing as well. We’ll sit down and talk and see where things go.”
Dean Henderson, Manchester United’s only other senior goalkeeper, is likewise uncertain about his long-term future after spending last season on loan at Nottingham Forest.
Forest is anxious to bring Henderson back to the City Ground on a permanent basis, but has been unable to reach an agreement to retain his services for a second time.
Henderson is said to want to return to Nottingham Forest, where he would be able to play regular first-team games. Ten Hag, on the other hand, has urged the 26-year-old to stay put and challenge Onana for the No. 1 shirt.
“We have a group of keepers, and you have to fight for your position just like everyone else.” That’s probably normal when you work for United. And he’s a good goaltender; he has to fight, and we’ll see when he can rejoin the club.”
Whatever happens with Heaton and Henderson, Onana is set to start the season as the first-choice goalkeeper after United paid more than £47 million to lure him away from Inter Milan.
Ten Hag is a big supporter of the Cameroonian international, who blossomed under the Dutchman at Ajax. Onana was a key member of Inter Milan’s team that advanced to last month’s Champions League final when they were defeated by Manchester City.