Manchester United’s stars believe that the solution to their goalkeeping problems could come from their 39-year-old third-choice keeper.
It has been reported by The Sun that some of Manchester United’s first-team squad think that third-choice keeper Tom Heaton has outperformed both Andre Onana and Altay Bayindir in training and should be given a chance between the sticks.
Since coming to the club in 2022, Onana has been heavily criticised, with the Cameroon international seeming to make mistake after mistake for the Red Devils.
Onana has made a series of high-profile errors while in goal for the club, with the most recent being the two goals he conceded against Second Division Grimsby Town midweek, leading to United crashing out of the Carabao Cup on penalties.
Bayindir hasn’t been much better either, with many feeling that the keeper shouldn’t have conceded the only goal of their opening game with Arsenal, as well as allowing Burnley to equalise due to another error.
United’s squad feels Heaton should have a chance
The Sun report that Heaton, who has made just three senior appearances at Old Trafford since returning to the club in 2021, should be given a chance.
“Judging it on performances on the training pitch, some of the lads think Tom deserves a chance,” a source said in the article. “He’s very experienced, looks after himself and is a key member of the squad.
“The other two are both struggling at the moment, so why not give Tom a go?”
Heaton was a senior player at United from 2005 to 2010 but failed to make any first-team appearances before being moved on.
Heaton’s chances unlikely if United sign a goalkeeper
Tom Heaton’s chance of playing first-team football at Old Trafford could be short-lived, however, as United are desperately trying to sign a new number one before the transfer deadline is over.
Reports from various outlets say they are after 23-year-old Royal Antwerp goalkeeper Senne Lammens, who is one of the hottest young shot-stoppers in world football at the moment and is said to be on sale for around £20 million.
It is also suggested that United are close to agreeing terms with Aston Villa goalkeeper Emiliano Martínez, with a fee for the World Cup winner reportedly in the region of £40 million.
Fans will be hoping that at least one of these transfers can be pushed through in the remaining days of this transfer window, as after the performances that the clubs’ keepers have displayed, dreams of a top-six finish in the league look less and less likely each day.
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