Manchester United's goalkeeping crisis could see a surprise Premier League debut for young talent Dermot Mee against Leicester City tonight, should first-choice Andre Onana fail to shake off an illness.
The Red Devils are down to the bare bones between the sticks as they're already missing Altay Bayindir and Tom Heaton due to injuries, making the depth of Erik ten Hag's squad appear paper-thin. Last month, manager Ruben Amorim had updated on the duo's condition: "Tom is making a recovery. Again, I don't have a day, but they [Heaton and Bayindir] are recovering."
As fate would have it, Onana could join them on the sidelines after feeling unwell this morning, with a final check pending before United's trip to play the Foxes tonight at 7pm.
Plans are in place for either academy prospects Mee or Elyh Harrison to take the gloves if Onana's late fitness test renders him unavailable. Mee, who signed a contract extension last August and was involved with the first-team during a pre-season camp in San Diego — though he didn't play — might be edging closer to his senior breakthrough.
Having been with Manchester United since 2019 and often training alongside the main squad at Carrington, Mee will be keen to seize any opportunity to shine under the pressure of English top-flight action.
For those who haven't followed his progress, here's a snapshot of the aspiring goalkeeper:.
- Name: Dermot Mee.
- Date of birth: November 20, 2002.
- Position: Goalkeeper.
- Birthplace: Birmingham, England.
Career history: Mee joined United in 2019 and was loaned out to non-league Altrincham, where he made four appearances for the National League team.
This loan move came after brief stints with Fulham's academy, Trafford FC, Runcorn Linnets and Witton Albion.