Harry Maguire sends Tom Heaton message after surprise Man United link-up – ‘No chance’
Manchester United’s pre-season preparations got underway with a twist after they hosted the India cricket team at Carrington.
Ruben Amorim laid the groundwork for his first full season in charge at Old Trafford with a goalless draw against rivals Leeds on Saturday, using 24 players over the course of their friendly match in Stockholm.
Matheus Cunha made his Man United debut in the number 10 shirt as the Red Devils’ only new signing so far this summer, although Bryan Mbeumo’s £71million switch from Brentford is in the final stages.
Mbeumo and Cunha will significantly bolster a Man United side which limped to a 15th-place finish in the Premier League last season, and Amorim tested his levels of depth with the players used against Leeds.
Heaton throws hat in the ring for Man United starting place
Andre Onana’s hamstring injury has left Amorim in a bind when it comes to Man United’s goalkeeping options, with their hopes of signing Aston Villa’s Emi Martinez damaged by an inability to sell Onana.
As a result, Altay Bayindir started against Leeds on 19 July before Heaton came on to replace him, and the 39-year-old made strong second-half saves to keep out both Jayden Bogle and Largie Ramazani.
Heaton was also faced with a shot from Rishab Pant when the India wicket-keeper and his team-mates visited Carrington during their summer tour of England, who they face at Old Trafford in the fourth test.
Harry Maguire watched on as Pant lined up a shot against Heaton, and later posted on his Instagram story to say; “Tom Heaton didn’t stand a chance”, alongside a ‘rocket’ emoji.
Man United goalkeeper crisis opens door for Heaton
Football Insider Verdict
It’s not the first time Heaton has been on the end of a joke from Maguire at Carrington, but the veteran’s performance against Leeds showed that he can still be a reliable presence between the sticks next term.
Onana’s form was hardly glowing prior to the hamstring injury which has all-but ended Man United’s hopes of selling him this summer, and Bayindir hasn’t been convincing in his rare appearances either.
Heaton’s longevity will continue after he signed a new contract at Old Trafford on 2 July, and with no sign of a goalkeeping upgrade on the way, don’t be surprised to see him play in a first competitive match since 2023.