Manchester United have confirmed the signing of former academy goalkeeper Tom Heaton on a two-year contract until 2023 with the possibility of another 12 months.
The free transfer comes after Heaton’s release from Aston Villa at the end of his contract there and marks a return to United, where he previously spent 13 years from 11 to 24 years.
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Heaton never played a first team game for United during his first spell at the club and was loaned out to Swindon, Royal Antwerp, Cardiff, QPR, Rochdale and Wycombe before eventually sealing a permanent transfer to Cardiff in 2010.
The goalkeeper later had a season with Bristol City in 2012/13 but rose to national prominence after joining Burnley and helped establish the Clarets as a Premier League club with two campaigns and even made his way into the England squad.
Heaton made his name during a successful time at Burnley / Alex Livesey / Getty Images
One of Heaton’s most memorable games for Burnley was actually against United at Old Trafford in 2016, during which he made a series of top saves, including an empty block with an outstretched arm to deny Zlatan Ibrahimovic and keep a clean sheet in a 0-0 draw.
After spending the past two years at Aston Villa and making 20 appearances, the 35-year-old adds depth to a United goalkeeping division that includes David de Gea and Dean Henderson.
“For me to have the opportunity to come back after spending 13 amazing years here as a child, it’s an incredible feeling and I’m really, really happy to get started,” Heaton told ManUtd.com.
“I just see it as a fantastic opportunity because I still feel that I have a lot to give and I have a little between my teeth. I look forward to getting started. I feel in good shape and I look forward to coming in to compete with the other goalkeepers. ”
Heaton’s return to United has been expected for some time, with confirmation only delayed until his Villa contract expired. But in May, it was reported that he did not come to settle as a back-up and had told friends that it was his plan to “push hard” to compete to become number one.
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