Tom Heaton to miss start of Manchester United season with injury

Manchester United have announced that Tom Heaton will miss the first few weeks of the new season with injury.

The Reds Devils kick-off their Premier League campaign on Monday night against Wolves, but it has been reported that the veteran goalkeeper has suffered a calf injury.

On the surface of things, Heaton’s absence doesn’t look so bad given that he is only at Old Trafford as back-up to new signing Andre Onana.

Henderson’s Future in Doubt

However, with the 37-year-old unavailable, Erik ten Hag now only has one senior keeper at the club as the season starts, as Dean Henderson is currently recovering from a thigh injury and not expected to be back before September.

The injury to Heaton is also likely to scupper Henderson’s chances of leaving United this transfer window, with the one-time England international keen to secure first-team football elsewhere.

And there aren’t many youngsters who can be called upon either, as Nathan Bishop was sold to Sunderland last week, Matej Kovar is on his way to Bayer Leverkusen, and Radek Vitek is out with a knee injury.

United Forced to Speed Up Goalkeeper Search

All this will force Ten Hag and co. to speed up their pursuit of a new No.2 goalie which was already in progress given Henderson’s stance and David de Gea’s departure.

A fee was agreed for Japanese shot-stopper Zion Suzuki, but he has turned United down in order to move to STVV in the Belgian Pro League.

Other Injuries at Old Trafford

All this comes as United look to sign another midfielder and centre-back with Fred and Harry Maguire looking set to leave for Fenerbahce and West Ham respectively.

Heaton joins an ever growing list of injured players at Old Trafford that currently includes Anthony Martial, Rasmus Hojlund and Amad Diallo.

Conclusion

Tom Heaton’s injury has come at a bad time for Manchester United, who are already short on goalkeeping options. With Dean Henderson’s future in doubt, the Reds will need to speed up their search for a new No. 2 goalkeeper. On top of this, Heaton joins an ever growing list of injured players at Old Trafford, making it even more difficult for Erik ten Hag’s side as they prepare for the new season.