Despite playing only two matches for Manchester United this season, veteran goalkeeper Tom Heaton is reportedly part of the captaincy group at Old Trafford, according to United boss Erik ten Hag. The armband could potentially change hands this summer if Harry Maguire leaves the club, as he is currently well down the pecking order.
The leadership group at United has been in sharp focus due to the captaincy situation. While Bruno Fernandes has been the stand-in skipper for most of the campaign, Maguire – who has only started seven Premier League matches – has often been on the bench. The top ranks include the Portuguese and English internationals, as well as long-serving veterans David de Gea and Marcus Rashford. Former Real Madrid players Raphael Varane and Casemiro are also said to be involved, completing the eight-man group that also includes Luke Shaw and surprisingly, Heaton.
Heaton spent seven seasons as a United player, coming through the academy alongside Gary Neville and Paul Scholes. However, he left the club in 2010, having never played a senior match. After gaining experience elsewhere, he returned to Old Trafford in the summer of 2021 and has been playing a key role behind the scenes.
Despite keeping hold of the armband on paper, Maguire has found himself well down the pecking order, behind centre-backs Raphael Varane and Lisandro Martinez, as well as Victor Lindelof and Luke Shaw. Tottenham are rumored to be interested in signing Maguire this summer, while Manchester United are looking at potential replacements, including Kim Min-jae and Jurrien Timber.