Ruben Amorim’s squad selections have come under the scanner this season, and respected journalist Andy Mitten has shared that he’s been told the ‘best’ Man Utd player at his position is yet to play this season.
The narrative around Ruben Amorim’s squad selections started with Andre Onana getting dropped from the starting XI.
The reduced role for Kobbie Mainoo then added to the discomfort, leading to Mainoo asking for a loan move away near deadline day.
Then came into focus the continued selection of Mason Mount at Benjamin Sesko’s cost, and now, Andy Mitten has shared an insider update from the club, saying that the ‘best’ Man Utd player at his position hasn’t even made an appearance yet!
Tom Heaton, Casemiro, Diogo Dalot and Harry Maguire of Manchester United walk out ahead of the Premier League Summer Series match between Manchester United and AFC Bournemouth at Soldier Field on July 30, 2025
Photo by Ash Donelon/Manchester United via Getty Images
Andy Mitten on Man Utd’s goalkeeping situation
Now that Andre Onana is off to Trabzonspor and Senne Lammens has been signed as an exciting young player, the hope is that the goalkeeping position settles somewhat.
However, the worry remains that Lammens is a project player who needs time, while Altay Bayindir hasn’t impressed either.
In such circumstances, there have been calls for Amorim to give a chance to Tom Heaton, the third-choice goalkeeper who impressed in pre-season.
Heaton hasn’t been considered for selection despite errors by Bayindir and Onana, and with Lammens’ arrival, that door is likely completely shut.
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It shouldn’t have been, if Mitten is correct, as he said on the Talk of the Devils podcast that he’s been reliably told by insiders at Old Trafford that Heaton is the best goalkeeper at the club.
Mitten said: “I am told by people I respect at the club that Tom Heaton is the best goalkeeper at the club. You also have some side issues. Vitek’s doing really well, but he’s on loan at Bristol City.
“So, watch him for the future. I hope we get a standout new number one for Manchester United because I’m really curious as to how the situation will develop.”
Ruben Amorim unwilling to change Tom Heaton’s role
Amorim was asked this season after one of the games whether Heaton could be an option after Bayindir had another error-strewn game.
His incredulous reaction to the question and fierce defence of Bayindir said it all about how the Man Utd manager views Heaton.
Heaton is seen as a permanent dressing room leader/squad ambassador who will never play in a competitive game for United.
It’s a shame because United, before signing Lammens, genuinely reached a point where they had more to gain than lose by throwing Heaton at the deep end.
If he didn’t play in those dire circumstances, then it’s an easy assumption to make that the door is completely shut now because Lammens will be given a long rope.
It looks like United’s ‘best’ goalkeeper won’t play this season. The challenge for Lammens is to prove that Heaton’s billing as the ‘best’ also changes by the end of the season.