In a recent report, The Daily Mirror has revealed that Aston Villa keeper Tom Heaton has agreed to sign for Manchester United this summer. It is understood that the Villans keeper, who is set to become a free agent at the end of next month, has decided to seal a move to join the Red Devils in this off-season (via The Daily Mirror).
Heaton’s Growing Frustrations At Villa Park This Season
The English keeper has not made a single senior appearance for Dean Smith’s side this season as he has been sidelined for a lot of games due to a cruciate ligament injury. Furthermore, Heaton has found himself behind Emiliano Martinez in the race to start for Aston Villa’s first XI upon returning from injury back in December last year.
However, the Chester-born custodian has a wealth of experience in the Premier League, having featured in 116 league matches thus far, shipping in 167 goals and securing 29 clean sheets in the process. If Heaton can steer clear of injuries, he is still good enough to play as a second-choice keeper at Old Trafford.
The 35-year-old is entering the twilight years of his long playing career but might enjoy one last big move to a top club like Man United before hanging up his boots in a few year’s time. He could also help guide Dean Henderson, who is likely to become Ole Gunnar Solskjaer’s next first-choice goalie at the Theatre of Dreams.
Will Recruiting Heaton Be A Wise Move For Man United?
Heaton boasts decent reflexes and can make some solid stops at the back. He is a good handler of the ball when coming out to collect loose possession or crosses inside his penalty box. The English custodian can also get a lot of distance with his goal-kicks but needs to be more accurate when distributing the ball out from the back.
At 35, Heaton would believe that he still has a few years left in him if he can avoid getting injured over the next couple of years. There is no doubt that he will add more depth to Ole Gunnar Solskjaer’s squad and offer some healthy competition for Dean Henderson at the northwest of England next season.
A keeper of Heaton’s experience will be a good replacement for David de Gea as well if Man United decide to cash in on the Spaniard this summer. With all things considered, the signing of Heaton could turn out to be a wise move for the Mancunian outfit as he could serve a similar role to de Gea but won’t cost nearly as much in wages if the Red Devils end up getting him on board before the start of the new campaign.
