Forgotten Man Utd star who hasn’t played a single game all season open to staying after contract expires in summer
MANCHESTER UNITED star Tom Heaton is reportedly open to staying at the club after his contract expires this summer.
The goalkeeper has found game time hard to come by since returning to the club in the summer of 2021 and is yet to feature this season.
But he has played an important role off the pitch and was part of a core group of leaders under Ole Gunnar Solskjaer.
Erik ten Hag persuaded Heaton to stay at the club last summer amid interest from Luton, with the keeper penning a one-year deal.
Now Heaton is in the final two months of his contract, which is unlikely to be renewed.
The former England star is believed to be considering his options but is open to remaining at Old Trafford in a coaching capacity, report Manchester Evening News.
Heaton, 38, has made three appearances for United including one in the Champions League.
He arrived at the club hoping to be second choice behind Dean Henderson, who Solskjaer promised would be No1 with De Gea listed for sale, and shared his disappointment at not playing enough.
Heaton said: “I was hoping [to be second choice]. I was hoping to go in and challenge.
“I knew the situation so, to some degree, it was my own fault but you always back yourself a little bit. I can’t have too many complaints.
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Victory his never been less glorious than this for Man Utd, says Dave Kidd
By Dave Kidd
PROBABLY only Erik ten Hag’s Manchester United could book a place in an FA Cup final while hanging their heads in shame.
Minutes after the final whistle of this ridiculous semi-final, Coventry’s magnificent underdogs were performing a lap of honour to their cheering fans — while most of United’s players and supporters had disappeared.
Then the Wembley PA system started blaring out ‘Glory, Glory Man United!’ and everybody started laughing out loud.
Victory has never been less glorious.
As a party-starter, it fell flat. As a stab at dark humour, it was sensational.
Even by United’s standards of low farce this was ridiculous.
Now even the unlikely scenario of a final victory over City is unlikely to save Ten Hag’s job.
After all, Louis van Gaal was axed days after United last won this competition in 2016 and his side were never as bad as this current lot.
Read Dave Kidd’s thoughts on the game in full.
Or check out all of Dave Kidd’s articles.
“I always felt a little bit of unfinished business [at the club] from my point of view and there were a lot of positives to coming back. The fact is that as a footballer, there’s no substitute for playing.”
United are reportedly willing to listen to offers for all but three of their stars – Kobbie Mainoo, Rasmus Hojlund and Alejandro Garnacho.