Rúben Amorim forced into transfer headache with Manchester United player ‘likely to retire’ this summer

Rúben Amorim is being forced into a transfer headache as one Manchester United player is now reportedly likely to retire from professional football this summer.

Rúben Amorim will need a major squad rebuild at Manchester United if he is to succeed following years of questionable recruitment and excessive spending.

United have been heavily criticised for their transfer dealings in recent seasons, with the signings of Mason Mount for £50 million, Antony for £85 million, and Casemiro for £60 million leaving many fans perplexed.

While these additions were made under Erik ten Hag, much of the squad Amorim has inherited does not align with the 3-4-3 system he plans to implement.

As a result, the club are looking to strengthen in several key areas, including striker, midfield, defence, and goalkeeper.

Heaton to retire from professional football

While United already need multiple replacements this summer, they may also need to replace a few of their elder back-up players.

According to a new report from the Manchester Evening News, United’s current third-choice goalkeeper, Tom Heaton, is likely to retire from football once his contract with the club expires in June.

Heaton has only ever made three competitive appearances for United, two starting for United twice in the Carabao Cup in 2023 and appearing off the bench in the Champions League in 2021, replacing an injured Dean Henderson against BSC Young Boys for 22 minutes.

However, Heaton is an invaluable asset behind the scenes for Amorim, with Harry Maguire recently naming him as one of the leaders in the dressing room.

Heaton’s departure causes transfer headache

Heaton’s likely decision causes Amorim a transfer headache this summer, as it rules out the chance of the player signing fresh terms just to stay around as a figure in training and reserve option on the bench.

Read More: Manchester United discover Real Betis’ opening bid for Antony as asking price set

With United needing a whole number of new players this summer while operating on a limited budget, Heaton’s pending departure means the club may have to spend money that would otherwise be used elsewhere to replace him.

Recent reports state that Amorim already wants to sign a new goalkeeper this summer, and with Altay Bayındır possibly leaving alongside Heaton and André Onana not inspiring confidence, the club may need to put funds forward to sign two new goalkeepers while promoting a third from the Academy.

United will need to spend wisely this summer if they are to maximise the budget available and having to fork out time and resources dedicated to a new third-choice goalkeeper distracts from the more priority areas.

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