Out of contract Manchester United player open to staying after summer decision

Tom Heaton is open to staying at Manchester United after his contract expires in June.

Goalkeeper Heaton, 38, has not played this season and he has been named on the bench 12 times with Altay Bayindir the second choice to Andre Onana.

Luton Town were interested in signing Heaton in the summer but United manager Erik ten Hag blocked a possible move as he wanted an experienced trio of 'keepers.

Heaton has no intention of retiring and is keeping his options open. He is understood to be disappointed at his limited playing time at United but would be receptive to assuming a coaching role at the club after his playing career finishes.

The former England international rejoined his boyhood club in 2021 and Heaton has made three appearances for United, with his two starts coming in the League Cup last season.

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Heaton agreed to join United on the assumption he would be second choice behind Dean Henderson as then-manager Ole Gunnar Solskjaer intended to let David de Gea leave.

However, Henderson contracted Covid-19 in July 2021 and was laid low for two months, so De Gea started the season and Solskjaer reneged on his pledge to install Henderson as number one.

"I was hoping [to be second choice]. I was hoping to go in and challenge," Heaton said last season. "I knew the situation so, to some degree, it was my own fault but you always back yourself a little bit. I can't have too many complaints.

"I always felt a little bit of unfinished business [at the club] from my point of view and there were a lot of positives to coming back. The fact is that as a footballer, there's no substitute