Utd sign Heaton on free transfer, extend Mata deal

Manchester United have re-signed goalkeeper Tom Heaton on a two-year deal until June 2023 with an option for a further year, while Spanish midfielder Juan Mata has signed a one-year contract, the Premier League club said Friday.

Heaton, a United academy product, moved on a free transfer after his contract at Aston Villa expired at the end of last season in May.

The 35-year old is expected to be a backup to David De Gea and Dean Henderson.

Heaton also played for Burnley in the Premier League.

Mata's previous contract expired at the end of June. 

The 33-year old found minutes hard to come by last season with competition for places from Bruno Fernandes, Paul Pogba and Donny van Beek, making only 18 appearances in all competitions.

United finished second in the league last season behind Manchester City, and they begin the new campaign with a home game against Leeds United on Aug. 14.