Manchester United chief explains new contract for 40-year-old veteran | Football

40-year-old goalkeeper Tom Heaton has been handed a new contract at Manchester United, with director of football Jason Wilcox saying he plays a key role at the club.

The three-cap England international initially joined the club as a teenager but went on to make his name elsewhere, playing for Cardiff, Bristol City, Burnley and Aston Villa.

The stopper made a surprise return to Old Trafford in 2021 but has only played a back-up role since then to various first-choice ‘keepers.

Heaton has made three appearances in the last five seasons, two in the EFL Cup and one in the Champions League.

It is not all about the XI on the pitch, though, and Heaton has been hailed as a brilliant influence at the club.

The veteran is especially influential for young goalkeeper Senne Lammens, who arrived at the club from Royal Antwerp last year, but on training sessions as a whole.

Heaton has now penned a new one-year deal at Old Trafford and Wilcox is very pleased that he is staying.

‘We are delighted that Tom is continuing for another year,’ said the Red Devils director of football. ‘Everyone is well aware of the importance of his leadership and professionalism within the group.

‘Tom has played a key role in helping to support Senne throughout his first season in the Premier League; his constant dedication and mentality set a fantastic standard for our goalkeeping group.’

Heaton himself added: ‘It is a huge honour to continue to represent Manchester United.

‘You can feel the determination and ambition of everyone throughout the club to keep pushing for success. I am really excited to play my role in driving us forward and helping the group to compete for the biggest honours.’

Departing Manchester United star Casemiro, who has played with some of the greatest to ever do it with Real Madrid and Brazil, picked out Heaton as someone who is vital to driving standards.

‘Tom Heaton is a very important person for us, he’s very important for us because he pushes the training,’ Casemiro said on Rio Ferdinand Presents.

‘The first thing is he pushes the training. He pushes every time the training. He pushes in the game.

‘Of course he doesn’t play, but he pushes every time. He explains experiences, he speaks very well. Every room needs a Tom, everyone needs this guy. He helps the room so much.’

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