Manchester United finally picked up their first three points of the new Premier League season on Saturday, courtesy of a thrilling last-minute 3-2 victory over Burnley at Old Trafford.
Skipper Bruno Fernandes stepped up to slot home from the spot in the 97th minute, exorcising the ghosts of last week in the process.
There was plenty to admire, including the team’s attacking display in the first 45 minutes and their unique corner routines that had the Clarets scrambling every time.
The never-say-die attitude will have impressed Ruben Amorim, but concerns remain over the sloppiness at the back, and the form of both the goalkeepers.
Altay, Onana struggling for form
Altay Bayindir was to blame for Burnley’s second equaliser, and the Turk was also culpable for the only goal in the game against Arsenal, a match the Red Devils should have won comfortably given their dominant display.
As for Andre Onana, he single-handedly knocked the 20-time English league champions out of the EFL Cup after several mistakes against League Two side Grimsby Town in midweek.
The Cameroonian just cannot stop conceding cheap goals, and as per The Sun, the dressing room is sick and tired of both the shot-stoppers.
They want the head coach to turn to Tom Heaton, currently third choice, but a player the squad respect. He is part of the new-look leadership group as well.
“MANCHESTER UNITED stars believe the solution to their goalkeeping problem is 39-year-old third-choice Tom Heaton.
“Some of the first-team squad think Heaton has outperformed No1 Andre Onana and No2 Altay Bayindir in training and should be given a chance between the posts.
“Now sources have told SunSport that Heaton, who has made just three senior appearances at Old Trafford since returning to the club in 2021, should be given a chance.
Heaton deserves a chance
“Judging it on performances on the training pitch, some of the lads think Tom deserves a chance,” the source told the publication.
“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?”
Tom Heaton has made only three appearances since his return to the club under Ole Gunnar Solskjaer. But has impressed during friendlies.
INEOS are keen to move on Onana, but a move to West Ham seems off as things stand. Bayindir has also rejected the chance to leave with reports stating he is expected to stay until January.
Senne Lammens, and Emiliano Martinez remain on the club’s radar, and it will be interesting to see how Amorim deals with this latest conundrum.
Follow us on Bluesky: @peoplesperson.bsky.social
Ayantan Chowdhury
Ayantan has worked for 10 years in the Indian sports media industry, writing for the biggest newspapers and websites but his heart was always set on writing about his favourite club. Currently an editor at The Peoples Person. You can follow him on X: @ayantanc_25
