Manchester United’s part-owners are preparing for what needs to be a drastic summer overhaul when the window opens.
In doing so, INEOS have to be ruthless in offloading players deemed surplus to requirements.
A straightforward route to accomplish that, though perhaps not the most ideal one given the lack of funds recuperated, is opting against contract extensions for those nearing the end of their terms this year.
Four Reds prepare to enter their final months at Old Trafford
At the start of the 2024/2025 campaign, all of Amad, Christian Eriksen, Harry Maguire, Victor Lindelof, Tom Heaton, and Jonny Evans had one season remaining on their deals.
United acted fast, particularly when he hit his scintillating run of form, in tying Amad down to a fresh five-year contract before also activating the one-year option in Maguire’s. Both have played integral roles throughout the term, and Ruben Amorim will expect the same from them in his first full season.
That left senior quartet Eriksen, Lindelof, Evans and Heaton as the players preparing to bid farewell to the club come the end of June – but the latter might yet be granted another year with his boyhood team.
INEOS plot major U-turn over Heaton’s future
Indeed, MailSport claims the Red Devils’ key decision-makers are considering offering Heaton a 12-month extension to keep him around Carrington throughout 2025/2026.
The 39-year-old spent eight years with United, five as a senior player, from 2002 to 2010 before returning in 2021 to provide coverage in the goalkeeping department. He has featured three times in his second spell; twice in the League Cup and once in the Champions League.
Heaton ranks third in the pecking order behind Andre Onana and Altay Bayindir – both of whom face hugely uncertain futures following their lacklustre displays across the last two terms.
Presumably, United see it worthwhile keeping the shot-stopping veteran, who takes home a reported £45,000 per week, around the training complex to call upon his expertise amid such troubled times between the sticks.
Why offer Tom Heaton a 1-year extension as he has hardly played for the duration of his tenure at Manchester United.
Just go with 2 GKs and along the way, if a third GK is required, the buy a young and upcoming one to fill the gap.
Amorim should make use of third choice goalkeper from reserved team U21 or U18
This is what would make the most sense in an otherwise right thinking club. Make of that what you will.
Ely Harrison from academy should be the 3rd GK, look at Liverpool how they trust Kelleher since young age to play important game