Man United ‘awaiting better offers’ for two outcasts as Tom Heaton makes transfer decision

Manchester United and Erik ten Hag are in need of departures as they enter the final weeks of the 2023 summer transfer market.

The Reds have made three additions in the form of Mason Mount, Andre Onana and Rasmus Hojlund. They are also looking to bring in another midfielder, with Fiorentina player Sofyan Amrabat at the top of United’s list.

However, selling players is now a priority for the club that have sold just one player above the age of 21 so far this window – that being Alex Telles, who joined Cristiano Ronaldo at Al Nassr.

It is not only transfer funds that the club must raise, but also to address a bloated squad in terms of numbers in the changing room and on the wage sheet.

Both Harry Maguire and Eric Bailly are two players that will not have consistent minutes at Old Trafford next term if they stayed. The two defenders are low down in the pecking order at the back.

Instead, it would be ideal for both players and club to find moves for them in the coming weeks. However, despite interest for the defensive pairing, Simon Jones of the Daily Mail has reported that United are awaiting better offers for them both.

Although, the latest reports from The Guardian have revealed that West Ham have made a new and improved £30 million bid for Maguire, which seems to present United with the opportunity they were waiting for.

Meanwhile, one player who looked like he could be exiting the club in the summer is set to remain at Old Trafford.

Tom Heaton, who re-joined United in the summer of 2021, received interest from Luton Town last month. United blocked a potential move amid uncertainty over the goalkeeping situation at the time. David de Gea has since left with Onana taking his place as the no.1 goalkeeper.

Now, the 37-year-old shot-stopper is looking set to remain at the club. Samuel Luckhurst of the Manchester Evening News has stated that the ‘keeper will stay at United after having talks with manager Erik ten Hag.

That will be a boost for the Dutchman, who includes Heaton in his leadership team that consists of six players. He even captained the team in their last pre-season fixture against Athletic Bilbao with Bruno Fernandes absent.

The veteran Englishman is also eager to help new man Onana settle into life in the Premier League, as well as to continue developing his game in the latter stages of his career.

“He’s been great. He’s a really good lad and a great character. I really enjoy the style of his play and I think he’ll suit how the manager wants to play,” said Heaton of his new teammate.

“Hopefully I can learn a bit from him. I know I’m getting older but I’m always trying to develop and evolve. Hopefully I can offer him something about Premier League football and the requirements of the different challenges.

“I feel absolutely brilliant. It probably helps not having to do the same miles as the outfielders but I don’t manage training any different than anyone else – for me, despite getting older, you have to go in day in, day out and do everything properly.”