Tom Heaton: Leading Manchester United's new era

Our guest on Episode #72 of the TGG Podcast, in association with Teamworks, is Manchester United and England goalkeeper Tom Heaton.

Tom is playing his 21st season as a professional and is a member of United's new five-man leadership team, along with Bruno Fernandes, Harry Maguire, Lisandro Martinez and Noussair Mozraoui.

In this Episode he told us what it's like behind the scenes at United, about establishing himself at Burnley under Sean Dyche, about his experiences with England and his ambitions for the future.

SHOW NOTES =>

01:30: What the non-internationals do during the international break.

02:28: Thoughts on new Carrington training ground. 

03:16: Can facilities be too nice and spoil players?

04:19: Being part of the new leadership team at the club.

05:11: Being inspired - but not weighed down - by the past.

06:35: What's the culture like behind the scenes?

07:49: Staying focused on the long-term plan.

08:54: First impressions of new goalkeeper Senne Lammens.

09:23: Does he coach the other keepers?

09:49: Joining United as an 11-year-old.

11:43: Influence of Sir Alex Ferguson.

12:37: His six loans as a United player. Positive experience and 'real' football.

15:21: Returning to United in 2021. Has it gone as planned?

18:12: Finding a home at Burnley (2013 to 2019). Playing under Sean Dyche. Defensive detail and organisation. Goalkeeper factory under Billy Mercer and Craig Mawson. 

23:36: Evolution of role of the goalkeeper. 

26:40: Which goalkeepers do you admire?

27:45: How long will you carry on playing?

28:37: What do you plan to do when you finish playing?

30:35: Going to the Euros with England as a training goalkeeper.

32:45: Thoughts on the Sporting Director role. Have done the UEFA Football Management Course.

34:01: Sean Dyche or Sir Alex Ferguson as a hybrid manager-Sporting Director. 

35:06: Hopes for the rest of the season with Man Utd. Optimistic?

35:49: Looking ahead to appearance at TGG Live 2025 at Old Trafford on October 8th.