Man Utd ace admits he is "unsure" of future and is seeking talks with Ten Hag

28 July 2023 , 11:15

408     0

Man Utd ace admits he is "unsure" of future and is seeking talks with Ten Hag

Tom Heaton does not know whether or not he will move on from Manchester United this summer but is expecting to hold talks with Erik ten Hag over his future.

Heaton, 37, is a graduate of the United academy but left the club permanently back in 2010 after failing to make a single league appearance. Since returning to Old Trafford in 2021, the veteran shot-stopper has made just three first-team appearances and has recently been linked with a transfer to Premier League new boys Luton Town.

United are in the process of revamping their goalkeeping options after releasing David de Gea and signing Andre Onana.

It remains to be seen, though, if Heaton will stick around to compete with Onana for the No.1 shirt. When he was asked about his future during United's pre-season tour of the United States, he admitted: “It's unsure at the minute. I've got to wait until I speak to the manager and see where we're at.

“I love it here. I have been part of this football club for a long time, but I can't lie, I also love playing. We will have a sit down and chat and see where we go."

Marcel Sabitzer completes Man Utd transfer after last-minute deadline day dash

Manchester United's only other senior goalkeeper, Dean Henderson, is also in the dark over his long-term future after spending last season on loan at Nottingham Forest.

Forest are keen on bringing Henderson back to the City Ground on a permanent basis but have been unable to strike a deal to secure the shot-stopper's services for a second time.

Join the debate! Do you think Heaton should be allowed to leave Man Utd this summer? Let us know here.

Tom Heaton could still leave Manchester United this summer (Mike Lawrence/ISI Photos/Getty Images)

Henderson is believed to be keen on a return to Nottingham Forest; a move which would enable him to continue playing regular first-team football. However, Ten Hag has called on the 26-year-old to stay put and fight Onana for the No.1 shirt.

"We have a group of keepers and, as everyone else, you have to fight for your position. I think that's normal when you're at United. And he is a good goalie, he has to fight and we have to see when he can return to team training."

Regardless of what happens in terms of transfers with Heaton and Henderson, Onana is expected to start the season as first-choice goalkeeper after United shelled out more than £47million to prise him away from Inter Milan.

Ten Hag is a huge fan of the Cameroon international, who thrived under the Dutchman during his reign at Ajax. Onana played a starring role in the Inter Milan team that made it all the way to last month's Champions League final, which they lost to Manchester City.

Mirror Football is now on Threads! You can follow us here

Dan Marsh