Ruben Amorim could have unlikely saviour vs Lyon, player has not had a single minute under him so far

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Manchester United have a crisis in goal. Could a very unlikely hero step up for the biggest moment of his career?

From the moment Andre Onana opened his mouth ahead of the first leg with Lyon, Manchester United fans feared the worst.

Onana made two mistakes in the 2-2 draw, and was subsequently dropped – or rested if you prefer that version – for Manchester United’s game with Newcastle.

Altay Bayindir stepped in to take his place, and it went badly. Bayindir made a mistake as United fell to a 4-1 away defeat.

Now what? Do United recall Andre Onana or stick with Altay Bayindir? Right now neither are very appealing options.

Manchester United should turn to Tom Heaton

Manchester United do have alternatives. One could be to turn to youngster Elyh Harrison, who was impressive for the under-21s once again in a 4-1 win over Reading on April 11.

However, in a big decisive European game, that’s an unfair situation to throw the young goalkeeper into, instead this requires a more experienced head.

Manchester United do not have any players more experienced than veteran goalkeeper Tom Heaton, 38.

Heaton once infuriated Sir Alex Ferguson early in his career by quitting his role as back-up to go and prove himself elsewhere in the Premier League, and went on to earn a call-up to the England squad.

The goalkeeper re-signed with United as a free agent in 2021. But as third choice goalkeeper, he has barely played.

United fans have at least been impressed with his pre-season performances, where he proved a very reliable pair of hands, exactly what is required this Thursday against Lyon, with reliability being the one trait Onana and Bayindir lack at present.

Tom Heaton in 2024/25

Heaton has not played a single minute under Ruben Amorim to date. He had a brief spell out with an injury but recently returned and he was on the bench against Newcastle.

His most recent competitive game came in the EFL Trophy last August, dropping into what was effectively an under-21 side.

It would be a huge call from Amorim to bring Heaton in – but why not?

Still under contract, Heaton is being paid to be available and deliver at a high level if he is needed, and Manchester United may actually may need him.

If any time demanded a safe, reliable pair of hands in goal at Manchester United, it is right now.

Heaton is expected to retire when his contract expires this summer and possibly move into a coaching role behind the scenes.

What a way to go out if he was to step in between now and the end of the season, especially if he was to lead the club to silverware.