Bruno Fernandes has heaped praise over the significance of veteran keeper, Tom Heaton, at Manchester United. Fernandes believes that Heaton is a positive influence and a guiding force in the locker room.
Moreover, the Red Devils’ captain was not shy of congratulating Heaton for breaking into the England squad as a training goalkeeper for the EURO 2024.
The announcement of Heaton joining came in on Monday with the player set to renew his contract at Old Trafford. Gareth Southgate recently revealed his 26-man lineup for the EURO. Unfortunately, James Trafford didn’t make the cut out of the 4 goalkeepers.
Tom Heaton would be guiding and training with Jordan Pickford, Aaron Ramsdale and former Manchester United keeper Dean Henderson.
A look at Tom Heaton’s illustrious career
Heaton has played for many clubs in his long career. However, the English goalkeeper has made Premier League appearances for only Aston Villa and Burnley. Astonishingly, the 38-year old hasn’t made a Premier League appearance with Manchester United till date.
The goalkeeper would rise through the ranks at United’s academy having joined in 2002. The 38-year old would be promoted to the senior side in 2005.
Subsequently, the goalkeeper would endure a series of loan spells. Initially, he was on loan to Swindon Town for a season. Thereafter, Royal Antwerp would loan him in 2006. Heaton would join back the Red Devils and warm up the bench as Edwin van der Sar was kept out by injury in 2007/08 season.
Followingly, the 38-year old would make a loan deal with Cardiff city for the 2008/09 campaign. However, Queens Park Rangers would loan Heaton on an emergency three-month loan deal in 2009. Furthermore, Rochdale would loan the goalie until January 2010. Another loan spell would follow with a move to Wycombe Wanderers in 2010.
In his first five year spell at United, the goalkeeper spent time at 6 different clubs on loan! Considering lack of gametime, Heaton would finally leave Old Trafford for free and make a return to Cardiff for a couple of years. However, the goalkeeper wasn’t the first choice at Cardiff either. Eventually, Heaton would make a move to Bristol City in 2012.
Although, Bristol City would endure a poor season and were relegated from the championship. Regardless, Heaton was one of the best players and caught eye of Burnley.
Finally in the English top-flight football and return to Manchester United
Heaton would go on to be Burnley’s first choice goalkeeper and make 200 appearances whilst winning the EFL Championship in 2016. He would finally make his first Premier League appearance as a Burnley keeper. Moreover, the 38-year old would join Aston Villa in 2019 for an undisclosed fee up to £8 million.
An injury would keep him out of contention and Emiliano Martinez would replace him as the first choice goalkeeper. Consequently, Heaton would make a return to the Old Trafford after 11 long years. However, the goalkeeper has still not made a single Premier League appearance for Manchester United.
Gareth Southgate names Manchester United’s Heaton to the England squad!
Despite having made only 3 appearances for the England national team, Southgate spoke highly of Heaton.
In fact, Southgate would go on to express his pleasure of the 38-year old joining the Three Lions in Germany. Moreover, Southgate backs Heaton to contribute to England’s morale and foster a positive environment in the locker room.
Additionally, the 38-year old was himself ‘honored’ to be a part of the national team. He wrote on his social media:
“Incredibly honored to be asked by Gareth to join the squad.
To get the call to go to a major tournament, to help in anyway I can and pass on my experience is a proud moment.”
Bruno Fernandes backs Tom Heaton and wants him to stay at Manchester United!
Bruno Fernandes was among the firsts to congratulate Heaton for his inclusion in the national team. The Portuguese international would praise the veteran keeper for his leadership.
Heaton is a United fanatic since boyhood. Moreover, the 38-year old may take up coaching position at the Theatre of Dreams in the near future. However, the goalkeeper has no intentions of retiring.
Additionally, given the importance of Heaton to United’s dressing room, talks of renewal are already underway between Heaton and the Red Devils.
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