"Tom Heaton wears a scowl. Sodden and frozen, he trudges off a pitch at Manchester United's Carrington training base, gesticulating and muttering a goalkeeper-eyed analysis of the game his team have just lost. We got pumped, he says loudly, his annoyance clear. Sometimes the obvious question must be asked: even on days such as this, does Heaton still enjoy it? I love it, is his response, his near-permanent grin reappearing."
"'My outlook can sometimes be bordering on deluded,' he says with a smile. 'I understand the optics of it, but I thought: I'm going to take that on.' The logical side of my brain knew that coming back here at 35 was probably more to fill this role. But I have zero regrets. I've loved being here. Heaton no longer has expectations of his name appearing when the team is announced."
Tom Heaton remains passionate about playing despite prolonged absence from Manchester United's first team and a serious knee injury. Heaton's last league appearance was for Aston Villa on 1 January 2020; he injured knee ligaments that day, rejoined United in July 2021 and has since played only 202 minutes. Heaton is 39, will turn 40 in April, and still desires the starting shirt while accepting a supporting, third-choice role. Heaton acknowledges the optics and occasional disappointment but reports zero regrets about returning, relishes training and matches, and continues to prepare and compete mentally and physically.
Read at www.theguardian.com
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