Amorim Stands by Bayindir Despite Goalkeeper Mistake in United Loss

Manchester United’s manager, Ruben Amorim, has publicly supported goalkeeper Altay Bayindir following a costly error that led to a 1-0 defeat against Arsenal on the opening weekend of the Premier League season. Despite calls for a new goalkeeper before the transfer window closes on September 1, 2023, Amorim emphasized his confidence in Bayindir and the team’s current goalkeeping options.

In a tense post-match press conference held at Old Trafford, Amorim defended Bayindir, who had been selected over Andre Onana, despite Onana’s return to full training after recovering from a hamstring injury. Amorim explained that Bayindir’s decision during a corner kick allowed Arsenal to score the decisive goal. “He [Bayindir] chooses to get the ball, but he’s getting pushed,” Amorim stated. “He needs to use his hands to catch the ball, not push players. He chooses to push players and let the ball pass.”

Amorim later clarified his decision not to include Onana in the squad, stating, “I didn’t drop Onana from the squad. It’s not the case of dropping Onana. It’s about not putting Andre in just one week without seeing the game, without time, with training.” He praised both Bayindir and another goalkeeper, Tom Heaton, for their performances during preseason.

Despite the loss, Amorim felt that United had played well against Arsenal. He noted that his team created significant chances, including a shot that hit the post. “We were the better team, but in the end we lost the game. I’m really proud of the work that they put on the field and that is important to move forward,” he said. Amorim expressed confidence that the team could compete successfully in the Premier League, particularly against top teams like Arsenal.

In another move indicative of potential changes within the squad, Amorim decided to start striker Rasmus Højlund on the bench against Arsenal, which has fueled speculation regarding his future at Manchester United. Højlund, who joined the club in the summer of 2023, has been linked with a possible transfer to Milan. The Serie A club’s sporting director remarked to Mediaset, “Højlund is a good option for us. We are thinking about him but in the transfer market, you never know what could happen.”

New signing Benjamin Sesko made his debut from the bench against Arsenal, further complicating the competition for starting positions within the squad. Amorim remarked, “It is a fight for places. We’ll see what is going to happen in the market. There are different characteristics. Rasmus has the same characteristics as Benjamin Sesko, so we need to choose.”

As the transfer window progresses, Amorim’s decisions regarding player selections and potential transfers will be closely watched, particularly with the performance of the team under scrutiny following their opening match defeat.