Man United secure contract extension in first major transfer window move

Manchester United have re-signed goalkeeper Tom Heaton after he penned a one-year contract at his boyhood club.

Heaton’s contract had come to an end on Sunday and although the 38-year-old had offers from other clubs, he has signed a deal to remain at Old Trafford until the end of 2024/25.

Part of the decision to extend his second stay at the club into a fourth season is the chance to continue planning for life after he hangs his gloves up, having made it clear to potential suitors that he would only leave United to be a first-choice goalkeeper elsewhere.

Burnley were among the clubs to sound out Heaton over a move as a free agent, with James Trafford likely to join Newcastle and Aro Muric attracting Premier League interest, but the Clarets are without a manager and so could offer no guarantees to Heaton over his status in the squad.

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“I am delighted to continue my stay at my boyhood club,” he said. “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 my next steps, whatever that may be. But, first and foremost, I want to push the squad to build on our successes from last season.”

Heaton rejoined United in 2021 and has made three appearances for the club since then. He didn’t feature last season but was a valuable presence in the dressing room as an experienced player and was credited with helping Andre Onana and Altay Bayindir settle into life at United.

The goalkeeper is currently with the England squad in Germany, having been asked by Gareth Southgate to travel as a training goalkeeper, assisting Jordan Pickford, Aaron Ramsdale and Dean Henderson.