Manchester United have confirmed that veteran goalkeeper Tom Heaton has signed a one-year contract extension, securing his stay at Old Trafford until June 2026. The 39-year-old, a product of United’s academy, continues his second spell with the club, bringing invaluable experience and leadership to Ruben Amorim’s squad.
Heaton, who first joined Manchester United in 2002 as a youth player, returned in 2021 after a career that saw him make 200 appearances for Burnley and play for clubs like Cardiff City, Bristol City, and Aston Villa. His initial stint at United saw him depart in 2010 without a first-team appearance, but since his return, he has made three competitive outings, including a Champions League debut against Young Boys in December 2021 and clean sheets in League Cup victories over Charlton Athletic and Nottingham Forest in 2023.
The decision to extend Heaton’s contract marks a shift from earlier speculation that he might leave as a free agent or transition into a coaching role. Reports as recent as April suggested his departure was likely, alongside teammates Jonny Evans, Victor Lindelof, and Christian Eriksen, whose contracts expire in June 2025. However, United’s coaching staff, backed by INEOS, pushed for Heaton’s retention, valuing his mentorship of younger goalkeepers like Altay Bayindir and Radek Vitek, as well as his influence in the dressing room.
✍️ @TomHeatonGK has signed a new contract with the Reds 🙌
— Manchester United (@ManUtd) June 27, 2025
“I am extremely proud to continue to represent Manchester United,” Heaton said in a statement to the club’s website. “As a group, we are all really excited for the season ahead. I am ready to support the team in every capacity as we prepare to get back to challenging for the biggest honours.”
United’s director of football, Jason Wilcox, praised Heaton’s professionalism, stating, “Tom’s leadership and experience are really important for the group… His 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.”
Heaton remains the third-choice goalkeeper behind Andre Onana and Altay Bayindir, with his last competitive appearance coming in February 2023 during United’s League Cup semi-final win over Nottingham Forest. Despite limited playing time, his role off the pitch has been crucial, particularly in guiding younger players and maintaining squad stability during a transitional period under Amorim.