One unexpected Manchester United star is planning to push for an important role this season despite having been close to leaving the club earlier this summer.
Manchester United have addressed their attacking issues early in the transfer window through the additions of Bryan Mbeumo and Matheus Cunha.
Ruben Amorim also experienced difficulties defensively last term, partly due to poor goalkeeping from both André Onana and Altay Bayındır.
The latter is expected to leave this summer and while Onana is set to stay, United are attempting to sign a goalkeeper who can challenge him between the sticks.
During the opening friendly game against Leeds, it was Bayındır who played in the first-half and Tom Heaton in the second, as Onana is currently injured.
Heaton planning to push for important United role this season
Heaton was surprisingly one of the standout performers against Leeds, making three strong saves in the second half of the game.
The veteran goalkeeper was pleased with his display and explained afterwards that he plans to keep pushing and fighting for a spot in the team.
“You get an opportunity to come and play, you want to put in a performance as strong as you can and thankfully today I think I put in a solid one, a few decent saves in there,” he told MUTV post-match.
“When the opportunity came to stay for another year in the summer, as always for me the priority is trying to get the shirt. I wouldn’t be here if I didn’t think I could do that and go and deliver performances, I hope today shows a little bit of that.
“Competition for places is exactly what you want, it’s Manchester United Football Club, it should be every single position.
“You’re competing against everyone else in the world because that’s the reach of this football club. For me, it’s about performing, working every day, taking the opportunity when it comes and hopefully showing the manager what I’m capable of.”
“I know I’m a bit older and a bit further down my career than most people, but the flame and fire doesn’t stop burning every weekend, you’re trying to get in the team, it can be difficult, it’s a real challenge. But I try to channel that energy into working every day and performing and when the opportunities come, making sure you take them.”
Heaton’s professionalism is top standard
For Heaton, a man who has played just three competitive games since he returned to Old Trafford in 2021, it may seem unrealistic for him to get game-time next term.
But despite being 39 years of age, the Englishman is probably a better option than Altay Bayındır. He displayed better shot-stopping and ball-playing than the Turkish international against Leeds.
It seemed like Heaton would have departed at the end of his contract last month but he has instead signed a one-year extension and would clearly love to make some more appearances.
That showcases his professionalism and one of the reasons why he is a top third-choice ‘keeper to have, and if the issues in between the sticks persist next season, you at least know what you’d be getting with Heaton.
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