'Great guy' - Ruben Amorim urged to make stunning Man Utd selection call against Chelsea

Manchester United were beaten 3-0 away by rivals Manchester City in their latest Premier League outing. They are back in action this weekend as they look to return to winning ways. Ruben Amorim’s side face a tricky home clash against Chelsea at Old Trafford as they aim to bounce back.

The Red Devils have won one of their first four league fixtures. They find themselves sat in 14th position in the table. The North West outfit were also dumped out of the Carabao Cup by League Two side Grimsby Town at the second round stage.

Manchester United urged to play Tom Heaton

Former England goalkeeper David James has urged United to play Tom Heaton in goal. They have let Andre Onana head out the exit door for Trabzonspor. Amorim now picks between Altay Bayindir and new boy Senne Lammens.

James has said to Manchester World: “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.

“He could possibly be doing Manchester United a better service at the moment. But anyway, yes, for once I looked at it and just thought this does not look good. And I think the irony of this is that it was a great win for City. against a bad Manchester United side, which then kind of puts you in a position, was it really a good performance from City when you're beating a bad side? Because a good City performance against a bad United team, historically, you would think would be five or six nil.”

Manchester United situation for Tom Heaton

United signed Heaton back in 2021 and he has since acted as back-up between the sticks. The 39-year-old, who played three times for England earlier in his career, has made three appearances for the Red Devils over the last four years. The ‘keeper was handed a one-year contract extension this past summer running until June 2026.

He is a vastly experienced operator and has played just under 400 games to date. The Chester-born man rose up through the academy ranks of United and was loaned out as a youngster to the likes of Swindon Town, Royal Antwerp, Cardiff City, QPR, Rochdale and Wycombe Wanderers. He then left on a permanent basis in 2010.

Heaton has since had spells at Cardiff City, Bristol City, Burnley and Aston Villa. He then re-joined the Red Devils and has since provided competition. However, James believes now should be his time to stake a claim to be their number one.

Bayindir hasn’t done enough to suggest that he can be trusted by Amorim. Meanwhile, Lammens is still new and it will take him some time to get to grips to life in England. Therefore, Heaton could get his opportunity soon.