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Erik ten Hag isn’t letting Tom Heaton leave Man United just yet…
Manchester United absolutely have a goalkeeping dilemma on their hands. The Old Trafford club could lose David de Gea when the clock hits midnight, while Dean Henderson could also depart for Nottingham Forest.
The shot-stopping situation is now having an effect on those down the pecking order, including Tom Heaton.
According to The Telegraph, Erik ten Hag ‘blocks’ the 37-year-old’s move away from United this summer, due to the ongoing uncertainty the club are dealing with in between the sticks.
Apparently, Luton Town wanted to sign Heaton and make him their number one goalkeeper for their Premier League campaign, though Ten Hag seemingly will not sign off on the deal while he isn’t sure who his number one will be for the 2023/24 campaign.
Heaton is nothing but a back-up keeper, though having that security in behind your first choice is crucial. If United lose both De Gea and Hendo, having Heaton remain at the club is smart, if only to prevent too much turnover from happening.
Nobody is expecting Heaton to come in and start games regularly for United barring injury. However, he’s someone I’d trust to do a decent job for a few games here and there if the situation arises.
It’s also partly dependent on what the player wants, too. If Heaton asks the club to let him leave, I’d feel fairly confident that Ten Hag would begin the search for a replacement back-up to try and accommodate that move.
Perhaps this is a deal to keep an eye on as the transfer window progresses, assuming Luton Town do not find another option they’re keen on in the meantime.
Do you think Tom Heaton will be kept at Man United for the 2023/24 season? Let us know your thoughts in the comment box below.
