Tom Heaton returns to Manchester United – the club he spent 13 years with as a youth player – as 35-year-old returns on a free transfer after signing two-year deal… and it could pave way for one of David De Gea or Dean Henderson to leave
- Manchester United have signed goalkeeper Tom Heaton on a free transfer
- He spent 13 years in their youth system and went on loan to a number of clubs
- Heaton then left the club to play for Cardiff, Bristol City, Burnley and Aston Villa
- Heaton, 35, became a free agent when his deal at Villa ran out on Wednesday
- Now he has returned to United on a two-year deal with the option to extend
Manchester United have signed goalkeeper Tom Heaton on a free transfer, the club have confirmed.
Heaton spent 13 years in United’s youth system and went on loan to a number of clubs before leaving to play for Cardiff, Bristol City, Burnley and Aston Villa.
The 35-year-old became a free agent when his contract at Villa Park ran out on Wednesday, and has returned to United on a two-year deal with the option of a further 12 months.
Manchester United have officially signed goalkeeper Tom Heaton (above) on a free transfer
Heaton will be installed as third-choice behind Dean Henderson and David de Gea, although the former England international has the calibre to step up to No.2 if that situation changes.
Heaton has three caps for England but has not played since a 45-minute appearance against France in June 2017.
He said: ‘For me to have the opportunity to come back after spending 13 great years here as a kid, it’s an incredible feeling and I’m really, really excited to get started.
Heaton spent 13 years in Man United’s youth system and went on loan to a number of clubs
Heaton (second left) will now reunite with Ole Gunnar Solskjaer (middle) at Manchester United after signing on a two-year deal with the option to extend by 12 months
‘I’m just seeing it as a fantastic opportunity as I still feel I’ve got an awful lot to give and I’ve got the bit between my teeth.
‘I’m looking forward to hitting the ground running. I feel in great shape and I’m looking forward to coming in to compete with the other goalkeepers.’
United have deleted goalkeepers Sergio Romero and Joel Pereira from the first-team squad list after their contracts ran out this week, with Romero in talks over a move to Everton. But veteran Lee Grant remains on the list as he discusses the possibility of a new deal at Old Trafford.
