Manchester United head coach Ruben Amorim has revealed that goalkeepers Altay Bayindir and Tom Heaton are unlikely to be available for tonight’s Emirates FA Cup fourth-round tie against Leicester City. The Portuguese manager confirmed the news during his pre-match interview with club media, leaving Andre Onana as the only senior goalkeeper fit for the crucial clash at Old Trafford.
Bayindir’s Absence a Blow for United
Altay Bayindir, who has been a standout performer in his limited appearances this season, will miss the game due to an unspecified issue. The Turkish goalkeeper was the hero in United’s third-round victory over Arsenal, making two crucial penalty saves from Martin Ødegaard and Kai Havertz to secure a dramatic shootout win.
Bayindir’s absence is particularly disappointing given his recent form, which included a clean sheet in the 2-0 Europa League victory over FCSB. The 25-year-old has been a reliable deputy for Onana, and his unavailability leaves Amorim with limited options between the sticks.
Heaton Also Sidelined
Tom Heaton, the experienced goalkeeper in his second spell at United, is also unavailable for tonight’s match. However, Amorim confirmed that the 37-year-old should be fit for future fixtures. Heaton, a product of United’s academy, has made three appearances for the club this season and would have been a natural choice if Onana were to be rested.
Speaking to MUTV, Amorim said: “Altay, I think, he has a problem. So he is not available for the game. Tom is also not for this game, but he can play the other ones [in the future]. So the rest are ready. The important thing is we are ready to face the game.”
Youth Options Limited
With Bayindir and Heaton sidelined, Amorim’s options are further complicated by the fact that Elyh Harrison, who has impressed during his loan spell at Chester, is cup-tied. The highly-rated youngster played for Chester in the FA Cup qualifying rounds, ruling him out of tonight’s match.
Other academy goalkeepers, such as Hubert Graczyk and Dermot Mee, have trained with the senior squad this season but lack the experience required for a high-stakes FA Cup tie. Additionally, the Under-21s are also in action tonight, facing Tottenham at Leigh Sports Village, which could impact Amorim’s decision-making.
Onana to Step Up
With Bayindir and Heaton unavailable, Andre Onana is expected to start in goal for United. The Cameroonian international has been Amorim’s first-choice goalkeeper this season, and his experience will be crucial as the Red Devils look to progress in the FA Cup.
Onana’s ability to play out from the back and his commanding presence in the penalty area make him a key figure in Amorim’s system. However, his recent form has been inconsistent, and the pressure will be on him to deliver a strong performance against a Leicester side managed by former United striker Ruud van Nistelrooy.
A Crucial Clash for Amorim
Tonight’s FA Cup tie represents an opportunity for Amorim to silence his critics and reignite United’s season. The Red Devils have struggled for consistency in the Premier League, but their recent performances in cup competitions have offered a glimmer of hope.
A victory over Leicester would not only secure a place in the fifth round but also provide a much-needed boost to morale ahead of a busy schedule. With key players missing, Amorim will need to rely on the depth of his squad and the resilience of his team to overcome a determined Foxes side.
Final Thoughts
Ruben Amorim faces a goalkeeping headache ahead of tonight’s FA Cup clash with Leicester City, but the Portuguese manager remains confident in his squad’s ability to rise to the occasion. With Andre Onana set to start, the focus will be on delivering a performance that keeps United’s cup dreams alive.
