Manchester United manager Ruben Amorim has been informed that one key first-team player will be a “priority” on the pitch this season, while also taking on another “role” away from the action.
Amorim’s first major signing of the summer came in June when Manchester United landed Matheus Cunha from Wolves for £62.5m.
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The 26-year-old Brazilian had been linked with a move to Old Trafford for some time and joined up with his new teammates for pre-season training this week.
Paraguayan youngster Diego Leon, who finally completed his long-awaited transfer to Old Trafford, has also joined former Wolves forward Cunha at the Premier League club this summer.
United agreed to sign Leon back in January when he was just 17. The move became official this month after the left-back turned 18.
Like Cunha, Leon was among the first group of 15 players to report to Carrington as Amorim began preparations for his first full season in charge.
Tom Heaton’s influence expected to support Diego Leon and Matheus Cunha after joining Manchester United
Ruben Amorim’s summer business isn’t finished yet, with more arrivals expected before the window closes.
Tom Heaton came through the United youth academy and made his return to the Premier League club in 2021 after his contract with Aston Villa expired.
Although he developed under Sir Alex Ferguson, Heaton didn’t make his first appearance for the senior team until a Champions League match against Young Boys in 2021.
Heaton signed a new deal with United this summer and mentioned that part of his job is to help players like Diego Leon and Matheus Cunha settle in.
“My priority is playing and working hard to try and get in the team,” he told Manchester United’s official website.
“That’s always the priority, but as a senior player, and someone who signed at 11, left aged 24 and came back at 35, the values of this football club are ingrained inside me and I want to make sure that new players who come into the building have an understanding of what the club means to the fans, what the traditions are, what the values are, as well as accepting that it also requires a period to evolve.”
“I see that as part of my role, being supportive. Even with the new players, Matheus [Cunha] and Diego [Leon] coming through the door, offering that support if they need anything.”
Tom Heaton discusses his role at Manchester United and the influence of Bruno Fernandes under Ruben Amorim
Heaton, who signed a one-year extension, has served as a backup option alongside Altay Bayindir and Andre Onana.
The 39-year-old spoke about his approach to playing for United and praised the impact Bruno Fernandes has had at the club.
“I think it’s about driving yourself and people see that, so people see that when you’re at it, you’re doing things properly, that’s the first marker,” Heaton said. “It’s a big part of it in my position at this moment.”
“And Bruno [Fernandes, club captain] and I have a brilliant relationship, so I try and help him in any way I possibly can. I think he does a magnificent job.”
Heaton has made three first-team appearances for United during his time at Old Trafford. His current contract runs until June 2026.
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