Why Heaton is so popular at United

The 2025/26 season would, apparently, be the Reds’ first campaign for 52 years without a squad member who had – at some point – played under Sir Alex Ferguson.

As Sir Alex retired in 2013, it is perhaps a surprise that it has taken this long for that statistic to become true, however Tom Heaton’s new deal does mean that there is still a survivor from our legendary former boss’s trophy-laden era.

Heaton came through United’s Academy and was promoted to the first team by Ferguson, who picked him for numerous matchday squads.

Alas, Tom never quite made it on to the pitch and he ultimately had to go elsewhere to make his name as a professional.

He returned to the club four years ago as a Premier League veteran and a full England international and was finally given a much-deserved debut when United played Young Boys in December 2021.

That was one of only three competitive matches Heaton has appeared in since re-signing but the 39-year-old’s influence on the squad has transcended managers, and the reason for keeping him on for another year is more subtle than his ability to save shots.

Last summer, after he'd signed another one-year contract extension, Tom travelled to Euro 2024 with England as a training goalkeeper – despite it being seven years since he’d won the last of his three caps.

Manager Gareth Southgate alluded to Tom’s qualities at the time, mentioning his ‘invaluable role’ and the desire to ‘create a positive environment’ at the tournament in Germany, where the Three Lions went all the way to the final.

Heaton is seen as a leader at United too – and not just amongst the goalkeeping group, where he’s part of a tight-knit cluster along with the likes of Andre Onana and Altay Bayindir.

“Great leaders are always welcome in any place. Congratulations big man,” said captain Bruno Fernandes, when the England news was made public.

Harry Maguire – who is close to Tom – has also spoken glowingly in the past about the keeper’s impact.

“Tom is a big character in the dressing room and a good lad to have around. He comes in really positive and is a great guy,” he said.

“He’s a sociable one and all the lads chat to him.”

From Ole Gunnar Solskjaer and Ralf Rangnick, through Erik ten Hag – for whom he formed part of a ‘leadership group’ – and now Ruben Amorim, Heaton has proved a valuable figure to have around.

“Tom’s leadership and experience are really important for the group so we’re pleased that he will be part of the squad again next season,” added Director of Football, Jason Wilcox.

“Tom’s mentality and excellent preparation to ensure that he is always ready to perform when called upon makes him the perfect complement to our goalkeeping group.”

Returning to that statistic about Sir Alex, Heaton being ‘the last survivor’ might not be purely coincidence.

His continued presence in the dressing room helps preserve the cultural fabric that the legendary Scot spent 26 years carefully building.

As time moves on and the number of individuals with direct ties to Ferguson continues to shrink, his values - deeply embedded within the club’s identity - are still being handed down, by people like Tom Heaton.

The opinions in this article are those of the author and do not necessarily represent the views of Manchester United Football Club.