Ruben Amorim has been urged, bizarrely, to start an ‘experienced’ Manchester United player as his side takes on Chelsea in yet another tough Premier League clash.
Manchester United have had a slow start to their new campaign, despite spending over £200 million in the summer transfer window, and face another tough opponent at the weekend as they host Chelsea.
Ruben Amorim’s side currently sit 14th in the Premier League after their first four games, with their most recent fixture being a 3-0 loss to their neighbours, Manchester City.
Altay Bayindir started this fixture for the Reds, with new signing Senne Lammens left on the bench as he waits to make his debut for the club.
Following this result, former Premier League goalkeeper David James has made a bizarre request for Amorim, and has advocated for an ‘experienced’ United star to start at the weekend.
James advocates for Heaton start
When speaking to Manchester World, James said regarding United’s goalkeeping situation, “He [Bayindir] didn’t do anything in the Manchester Derby to tell Amorim that he was the one he should stick with.
“And in all of this, I know he’s a great guy, so I don’t think he’d cause any problems or any ripples or whatever, but you’ve got Tom Heaton there who’s got all the experience and everything that a goalkeeper needs.”
Heaton signed for the Red Devils back in 2021 and has since acted as a back-up between the sticks. The 39-year-old has made three appearances over the past four years for United.
Seemingly happy with his role as a third-choice shot-stopper, Heaton was handed a one-year contract extension in the summer, which will run until June 2026.
Bayindir or Lammens vs Chelsea?
Whilst it is understandable that neither Lammens nor Bayindir are an ideal choice for the Reds this weekend, it is almost certain that one of the two will start the fixture over Heaton.
Bayindir hasn’t covered himself in glory so far this season, but a fixture versus Chelsea may not be the ideal debut for United’s new 23-year-old, meaning that the Turkish international could be handed another chance.
Regardless of who starts between the sticks for the Reds against Enzo Maresca’s side, Amorim will be hoping for a better display from his players, as they are desperate to put some points on the board.
Whether it be United’s goalkeeping conundrum, Alejandro Garnacho’s Old Trafford reunion, or just simply a well-poised fixture between two of England’s ‘big six’, this fixture is set up to be an enthralling watch.
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