Manchester United are considering offering a new contract to 40-year-old goalkeeper Tom Heaton, despite playing just three times in five years.
The England international first joined the Red Devils in 2002, coming through the academy but never making a breakthrough into the first team.
He went on a string of loan spells elsewhere before joining Cardiff City permanently in 2010 and going on to enjoy the best stint of his career with Burnley from 2013-19.
It was during his time with the Clarets that he won his three England caps, going to Euro 2016 with the Three Lions.
Heaton had two seasons at Aston Villa before a shock return to Manchester United in 2021, where he has been ever since.
He still hasn’t turned out in the Premier League for the Red Devils, making two League Cup appearances and one in the Champions League since rejoining the club.
The veteran stopper may not be featuring on the pitch, but he is considered an important and positive presence in the dressing room and on the training pitch.
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The Sun report that Manchester United are considering extending Heaton’s stay at the club, with the added bonus that he counts as a homegrown and club-trained player, helping meet Premier League and UEFA rules.
Outgoing midfielder Casemiro has talked up the influence of Heaton at the club, saying he is a brilliant presence in training and even in games.
‘Tom Heaton is very important person for us, he’s very important for us because he pushes the training,’ the Brazil international said on Rio Ferdinand Presents.
‘The first thing is he pushes the training. He pushes every time the training. He pushes in the game.
‘Of course he doesn’t play, but he pushes every time. He explains experiences, he speaks very well. Every room needs a Tom, everyone needs this guy. He helps the room so much.’
When Heaton signed his current deal last year, extending his contract until the end of the current season, Manchester United director of football Jason Wilcox hailed the veteran’s influence as well.
‘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,’ said Wilcox.
‘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.’
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Speaking about his own career planning earlier this season, Heaton told Inside Carrington: ‘I did an executive leadership short course from Oxford University. I’ve done my B-Licence goalkeeper coach, B-Licence outfield, A-Licence outfield, a certificate of football management from UEFA.
‘I’ve done a few different things over the years, just to upskill in areas off the pitch which might not fully understand.
‘It’s been a good journey, I’ve met some brilliant people along the way. I’m still not 100 per cent sure what direction I’m going to go in once I’ve finished playing.
‘I still feel quite good at this moment in time but, of course, it’s coming at some point. I’m open minded is the honest answer.’