Man Utd 'agree deal' for popular star to stay after nine Old Trafford exits

Manchester United have already announced a number of Old Trafford exits this summer but could soon see an out-of-contract start extend his stay at the club under Ruben Amorim

Manchester United have agreed a deal to extend Tom Heaton's stay at the club, according to reports. The 39-year-old goalkeeper has made just three appearances for the Red Devils in a four-season spell.

Heaton's contract is set to expire at the end of the month but the parties are set to agree an extension of a further year in the coming days. The shot-stopper is seen as a 'highly valued part of the goalkeeping group and wider squad'.

United have already announced the exits of senior stars Christian Eriksen, Jonny Evans and Victor Lindelof at the close of their contracts this summer. The club confirmed on Monday that they were in talks with Heaton over a fresh deal.

The Old Trafford side also announced the departure of academy players however. Hubert Graczyk, Jack Kingdon, Sam Murray, Tom Myles, James Nolan and Tom Wooster have all been released.

Heaton is in his second spell with United having come through the club's academy. The veteran went on loan to Swindon Town, Royal Antwerp, Cardiff City, Queen's Park Rangers, Rochdale and Wycombe Wanderers before departing the club to join Cardiff in 2010.

The goalkeeper made his name in a stint with Burnley between 2013 and 2019 and made 200 appearaces. After a two-season stay at Aston Villa, Heaton returned to United in 2021.

A coaching position has been touted for the ex-Clarets star and that is said to be a long-term option. For now Heaton's services are deemed to be required around the squad in a goalkeeping group that includes Andre Onana and Altay Bayindir.

Last summer, Heaton was called upon by England boss Gareth Southgate during the Three Lions' campaign at Euro 2024 in Germany. The veteran was tasked with being a training goalkeeper to assist Jordan Pickford, Aaron Ramsdale and Dean Henderson.

Speaking after extending his deal by a single year last July, Heaton revealed he was relishing his role at the club.

"I am delighted to continue my stay at my boyhood club," Heaton told club media. "I still feel in great shape and I am ready to offer whatever the squad needs throughout the season ahead.

"In addition to on the pitch, I’m learning so much off it for my next steps, whatever that may be. But, first and foremost, I want to push the squad to build on our successes from last season."