Kobbie Mainoo and David de Gea both made their feelings clear after Manchester United ‘keeper Tom Heaton signed a new contract with the Red Devils.
Tom Heaton, who was part of the Red Devils youth academy, returned to boyhood club Manchester United in 2021 after his contract with Aston Villa expired.
The 38-year-old is an experienced option for United manager Erik ten Hag, who already has Altay Bayindir and Andre Onana among his ranks.
Heaton did not make a single appearance for the Red Devils last season, with Andre Onana remaining Erik ten Hag’s first-choice ‘keeper between the sticks.
Despite his lack of playing time in the 2023-24 season, United shot-stopper Heaton received a rare call-up from Gareth Southgate for England’s Euro 2024 campaign.
The former Burnley star has linked up with England players at their training camp and is offering support to the Three Lions as a training ‘keeper.
United on Tuesday announced that Heaton had agreed to sign a new one-year contract with the Premier League club.
Mainoo and De Gea react to Heaton news
Tom Heaton took to Instagram and inked an emotionally charged message after he agreed to sign a new deal with Manchester United.
“I am delighted to continue my stay at my boyhood club,” he said.
“I still feel in great shape and I am ready to offer whatever the squad needs throughout the season ahead.
“In addition to on the pitch, I’m learning so much off it for the next steps in my career, whatever that may be, but first and foremost I want to push the squad to build on our successes from last season.”
Kobbie Mainoo was among the United players who reacted to Heaton’s post and the England midfielder left a heart emoji in the comments.
David de Gea, much like Mainoo, welcomed the news of Heaton extending his stay at Old Trafford and the United legend commented with a heart emoji, too.
Heaton on signing new Man Utd deal
Heaton initially left United in 2010 without making a single senior appearance for the club, having spent the majority of his time at the Red Devils out on loan.
But the former England international finally made his debut for United after he re-signed, with Heaton playing against Young Boys in the Champions League in 2021.
Heaton has appeared under Erik ten Hag and played the full 90 minutes against Charlton Athletic and Nottingham Forest in the League Cup in the 2022-23 season.
Speaking to Manchester United’s official website after signing a new deal, he said: “I am delighted to continue my stay at my boyhood club.
“I still feel in great shape and I am ready to offer whatever the squad needs throughout the season ahead.
“In addition to on the pitch, I’m learning so much off it for my next steps, whatever that may be.
“But, first and foremost, I want to push the squad to build on our successes from last season.”