VETERAN Manchester United goalkeeper Tom Heaton is preparing for life beyond retirement after taking a coaching course.
Heaton, 39, started his career at Old Trafford before leaving in 2010, but returned as a back-up keeper in 2021.
He has been the third-choice option ever since and his contract will expire at the end of the current season, when he will be 40.
Heaton is not expected to be handed a new deal and he is now making plans for his next steps.
He has already completed a coaching course as he weighs up his options ahead of his 20-year career coming to an end.
But punditry might also be an option for Heaton, who is open to the idea of TV work.
He has contributed to live games in the past after working on BBC 5Live’s coverage of England’s 7-0 thrashing of North Macedonia in 2023.
Heaton is set to be part of an exodus of stars who could be released next season.
The keeper is poised join Casemiro, Jadon Sancho, Tyrell Malacia and possibly even Harry Maguire in departing.
Heaton was widely expected to retire at the end of last season before making a U-turn and signing an extension for the second straight year.
At the time, United chief Jason Wilcox said Heaton’s leadership and experience was a huge factor in his renewal.
“Tom’s leadership and experience are really important for the group so we’re pleased that he will be part of the squad again next season.
“Tom’s mentality and excellent preparation to ensure that he is always ready to perform when called upon makes him the perfect complement to our goalkeeping group.”
He is valued highly by manager Ruben Amorim after being appointed to his six-man leadership team.
There had even been some calls from supporters to make Heaton the club’s new No 1 goalkeeper this season after high profile errors from both Andre Onana and Altay Bayindir.
But Bayindir has been given the spot for now after Onana joined Trabzonspor on loan, with Heaton third choice behind new signing Senne Lammens.
Heaton has only ever played three times for the Red Devils after joining the club’s ranks as an 11-year-old.
Following a succession of loans, he joined Cardiff City on a permanent deal in 2010 before signing for Bristol City two years later.
He later moved to Burnley, where he played 200 times before a brief spell at Aston Villa.
Read the full article here