Lee Grant has explained why he wanted to stay at Old Trafford despite being the fourth choice option in goal after signing a one-year contract extension with Manchester United .
With David de Gea , Dean Henderson and Tom Heaton ahead of him, Grant is unlikely to get many minutes on the pitch next season.
He has made two appearances for United since joining from Stoke City in 2018, though he is yet to feature for Ole Gunnar Solskjaer’s side in the Premier League.
Grant, 38, was always intended to be a back-up option between the sticks and, despite his lack of game time, he is a popular and well respected figure behind the scenes.
Speaking to the United website, he has given fresh insight into his role in the squad and how he intends to keep De Gea, Henderson and Heaton on their toes next term.
“I was always very, very hopeful that I could extend my stay for another year and thankfully the club have allowed me to do that,” he said.
“I’m really looking forward to the challenge of supporting the team, keeping myself going, as well as motivating others around me for another year.”
Asked whether his strong relationship with his teammates was important to him, he said: “Absolutely, and that’s the main reason that I’ve taken the decision to stay for another year.
“I think feeling valued and enjoying your role is huge, no matter what line of work you’re in, and I’m obviously fortunate that I’ve got the opportunity to do that at such a wonderful club.
“I’m really looking forward to another year with the lads… we’ve got an incredibly strong [goalkeeping] department. Everybody’s capable of pulling their weight and playing and supporting the team.
“[I’m] really looking forward to it, and I’m sure we’ll go from strength to strength this year.”
As for the dynamic within the goalkeeping group, he pledged to push De Gea, Henderson and Heaton as hard as possible. “We all have our roles to play when it comes to that,” he said.
“Whoever has the gloves at that particular time, it’s up to the other guys to really push – not just support but push and challenge the one who is playing – to make sure that, as a team and as a department, we’re able to get the best possible results.
Who should be United's No.1 next season? Have your say below.
“Whether it’s David, Dean, Tom, myself, we’ll all be pushing to play and excited and ready to support the one that is playing… what we are fortunate with here at Manchester United is that we’ve got four characters that are able to get along and co-exist, which is not always the case.
“We're fortunate that we are able to do that to a very high standard. What that does allow us to do is to push each other and genuinely and authentically push and challenge each other on the training ground.
“I think that’s one of the reasons that the club has decided to keep me around – because I help to do that as well. Challenge younger guys, push and, as I say, make sure that the levels are really high for whoever is playing at the weekend.”
Sign up to the Mirror Football email here for the latest news and transfer gossip.
