Aston Villa’s Tom Heaton has reportedly agreed to a transfer to Manchester United, becoming the club’s first signing of the summer.
Ole Gunnar Solskjaer‘s current goalkeeping options are David de Gea, Dean Henderson, Sergio Romero, and Lee Grant, though massive changes in the department are expected this transfer window.
The experienced Argentine is meant to be leaving at the end of his contract next month whereas there are rumours the former Derby County will retire soon too.
Reports have also claimed neither De Gea nor Henderson will accept playing second fiddle next season so it’s likely one of them will leave.
Solskjaer has a massive decision to make in what will be the biggest shakeup in United’s goalkeeping department in recent years.
According to the Mirror, the Red Devils had made contact over the past few weeks and there was finally a breakthrough as Heaton agreed to join as a free agent from Villa.
The Peoples Person claimed the links were first made roughly two weeks ago when it was claimed he was joining to replace Romero as the new number three.
The aforementioned shakeup could see Heaton become the new number two to whoever is the first choice in De Gea or Henderson.
Although it’s unlikely, there have been whispers that Solskjaer could bring in a new face entirely for the starting XI spot between the sticks.
The argument was that the legendary Norwegian hasn’t been fully convinced by either goalkeeper, believing that they both have weaknesses and strengths but aren’t exactly what he’s looking for.
This has led to some reports emerging claiming that Manchester United are considering a move for AC Milan’s Gianluigi Donnarumma, especially since his contract expires this summer.
Considering he’s just 22 years old, he would be the future of the club for at least the next decade too.
The Athletic and transfer guru Fabrizio Romano would later confirm the Mirror’s transfer news on Heaton.
Tom Heaton has reached an agreement to re-join Manchester United, as per @johncrossmirror. The goalkeeper will sign his contract in the next days. 🔴 #MUFC
Also: no contacts between David de Gea and Roma despite rumours from Italy because of Mourinho links. 🚫
— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) May 25, 2021
Ole Gunnar Solksjaer confirmed player out Villarreal clash.
Ole Gunnar Solskjaer has confirmed that two Manchester United players didn’t travel for the Europa League final with injuries.
Manchester United’s season ends tomorrow night. Whether the campaign is a successful one or an average one hangs in the balance. Win, Ole Gunnar Solskjaer will be feeling like progress is being made. Lose and we’re pretty much back to where we were last summer.
In terms of team news, Harry Maguire has travelled to Gdansk and he will presumably be testing out that ankle in training this evening. However, during his pre-match press conference, Solskjaer did confirm that a United duo will miss the Europa League final with injuries – and they haven’t travelled…
Neither Phil Jones nor Anthony Martial will be included in the squad tomorrow evening, as both have been missing in the long-term, though we did see the Frenchman back in training pretty recently…
“We’ve prepared well. Anthony didn’t make it, Phil didn’t make it, of course, and Harry is just going to jog up and down the sidelines [in training],” said Solskjaer, per ManUtd.com. “I reckon he’ll try to join in a bit.
“Apart from that, we’re looking quite good.”
At this point, I’m genuinely wondering if we’ll see these guys play for United again. Jones has constantly been injured and the last thing he needs is to be sitting on the bench for all of next season. A move away, to a club that can give him regular game time, feels like the play to make.
As for Martial, well, Edinson Cavani is now the main man. Plus, if the Reds do decide to break the bank for Harry Kane, I’m just not sure where the Frenchman would fit in? Sure, it’s a long shot right now but don’t be surprised if Solskjaer decides that this is the optimal time to cash in on someone who struggled pretty badly this season.
Right now, it’s time to focus on the players who are fit and ready to play. This game is there for the taking. We have to show that we want it more than our opponents if we’re going to be the ones celebrating tomorrow night.