Manchester United officially announces the extension of a veteran player! A young talent unwilling to be a substitute is expected to leave in the summer transfer window, while Onana returns for preseason.

Manchester United officially announced on Thursday that 40-year-old goalkeeper Tom Heaton has signed a new one-season contract, keeping him with the team. According to sources, Heaton's weekly salary stays at £45,000, without any changes.

Heaton commented after signing: "It's a huge privilege to keep playing for Manchester United. I sense the resolve and ambition in everyone here, all striving for success. I'm really looking forward to contributing my part and helping the team reach the highest honors."

Despite only making three appearances since returning to Manchester United, Heaton is well aware of his role. "I feel every moment as a player in this club is incredibly valuable, so I'm overjoyed to extend for another year. The club is in a good place right now; we've had an excellent season. We're back in the Champions League and looking forward to the journey ahead. So, it was an easy decision to make."

He stated that even without playing, he can still make an impact. "This is a very important ability, especially for an experienced player. Honestly, I think this skill largely comes from an ongoing competitive process. We all know what the club's goal is: to win. For me, helping teammates and developing players is an important duty, but everything is aimed at making Manchester United successful."

Heaton mentioned that if given the chance, he still wants to play. "As a player, your first goal is to compete and try to get into the team. Over time, my role has changed, but this has never changed: I'm always ready to serve the club. As my role evolves, I now focus more on teamwork. Can I influence the players? I can offer support or raise standards at any time. But more importantly, I need to ensure I'm prepared to play and capable of competing."

Manchester United manager Carrick is a former teammate of Heaton. "You know, I've worked with the coach for several years, so I know him well and have great respect for him. He was an outstanding player and is now a very good manager. It's fantastic to play for him. He's very calm and, most importantly, ensures everyone completes their tasks at the right time. I think the results speak for themselves. So, it's a wonderful moment: both the manager and the team have extended their contracts."

Football director Jason Wilcox explained why Manchester United renewed Heaton's deal: "We're delighted Tom will stay for another year. Everyone is aware of the leadership he brings to the team and his professionalism. He played a key role in Sena Lammens' first Premier League season. His always dedicated and competitive attitude sets a great example for the goalkeeping group."

Heaton's renewal confirms the first-choice and third-choice goalkeepers for the new season, but the backup goalkeeper situation may change. Among them, Radek Vitek, after a loan spell at Bristol City in the Championship during the 2025/26 season, is expected to be sold by Manchester United this summer. This is not due to poor performance; on the contrary, he played very well.

Vitek made 41 appearances across all competitions for Bristol City, keeping 12 clean sheets. He was voted the club's Player of the Year, Young Player of the Year, and Players' Player of the Year. Therefore, the 22-year-old Czech goalkeeper is expected to receive many offers, and having grown accustomed to being a starter, he will not be happy sitting on the bench at Manchester United for a long time.

Although Manchester United returns to the Champions League next season, Sena Lammens' position is secure, and he will be the starter in both the Premier League and Champions League. If Vitek stays as a backup, his main opportunities would be in the League Cup and FA Cup, where he could theoretically play up to a dozen matches, but equally only two, as happened this season.

A disadvantage for Vitek is that starting goalkeeper Lammens is only a year older than him, meaning he cannot hope to automatically replace him through natural succession in a few years. If he stays, he might remain as the deputy for an extended period.

Several young Manchester United goalkeepers have faced similar situations in the past and decided to leave, including Dean Henderson and Matej Kovar. Vitek might become the next one. Currently, his market value on Transfermarkt is €6 million.

Manchester United reporter Andy Mitten said: "I expect Vitek to be sold. I might be wrong, but I've spoken to many people to reach this conclusion." This view is supported by BBC authoritative source Simon Stone: "Radek Vitek wants consistent game time, and it seems unlikely he'll return to Manchester United as Lammens' backup."

Vitek himself stated: "I will stay in close communication with Manchester United, and together we will analyze what's best for me next season. But I want to play football; I don't want to just sit on the bench. I'm very grateful for the trust Manchester United has given me. Of course, I will make decisions step by step."

Vitek's idol, Czech goalkeeping legend Petr Cech, also believes Vitek should leave Manchester United. "Playing matches is crucial. Of course, sometimes you know you have a good chance to go back and fight for your place, which is another story. But given the current situation at Manchester United, Lammens is performing very well. I'm sure Vitek will want to go elsewhere and continue as a starter."

The decisions of other Manchester United goalkeepers may also affect Vitek's choice. Two goalkeepers signed under Ten Hag, Andre Onana and Altay Bayindir, will decide their futures this summer. Bayindir is reportedly keen to return to the Turkish Süper Lig, and with a transfer fee of only €5 million, a deal is highly likely.

However, according to Italian transfer expert Fabrizio Romano, Onana has returned to Manchester United from Trabzonspor with immediate effect. The Cameroonian international is not easy to offload and is expected to get opportunities during preseason.

"Onana has returned to Manchester United from his loan at Trabzonspor, with immediate effect," Romano said. "Currently, it is expected that Onana will participate in the preseason tour."

Romano added: "Trabzonspor did not have a purchase option for Onana; it was a pure loan deal, so any transfer would require new negotiations. As I understand, Trabzonspor will negotiate again with Onana and Manchester United, aiming to keep the player on loan."

Manchester United spent €50 million to sign Onana, who still has two years left on his contract. To avoid a loss, they would need to sell him for at least €20 million. Additionally, Onana's weekly wage at United rises to over £120,000 during Champions League seasons, which is also a disadvantage when trying to offload him.