MU has improved, but Amorim is still troubled by the goalkeeper situation.

19/08/2025 07:42:00 pandatv

The 1-0 loss to Arsenal in the first round of the 2025-26 Premier League at Old Trafford highlighted a long-standing problem for MU under manager Ruben Amorim: the goalkeeper position.

Despite spending £200 million to upgrade the attack with new signings like Bryan Mbeumo, Matheus Cunha, and Benjamin Sesko, the "Red Devils" still haven’t managed to fix their weakness in goal. Altay Bayindir’s error in the opening game, along with Andre Onana’s instability, cost the team dearly and sparked debate over the club’s transfer policy.

Everyone is facing issues.

In the 13th minute, goalkeeper Altay Bayindir made a critical mistake during a corner, which proved decisive for the match. Declan Rice swung the ball in from the left, and instead of punching it away, Bayindir hesitated, allowing defender William Saliba to close in and direct the ball towards goal. Riccardo Calafiori tapped it in easily, sealing Arsenal’s narrow 1-0 victory. This is not the first time Bayindir has been criticized for poor aerial handling. Since joining MU from Fenerbahce in September 2023, the Turkish keeper has often shown a lack of decisiveness in set-piece situations, especially corners and direct free kicks.

Former footballer Gary Neville, commenting on Sky Sports, said bluntly: "The goalkeeper needs to be stronger. Bayindir might complain about being fouled, but Saliba did nothing wrong. He simply wasn’t strong enough to get past his opponent." Neville emphasized that this mistake wasn’t just individual but reflected a systemic issue in MU’s goalkeeper recruitment. Even though the team dominated possession at 65% and created many dangerous chances thanks to new signings like Mbeumo and Cunha, Bayindir’s error undermined all the "Red Devils’" efforts. This incident raises questions about why the management and Amorim didn’t prioritize fixing the goalkeeper spot, despite investing heavily in other areas.

The exclusion of Andre Onana, MU’s number one keeper for the past two seasons, from the squad against Arsenal despite his recovery from injury further highlights the instability in goal. Coach Amorim explained that he favored Bayindir due to strong preseason form, but this choice also reveals a lack of trust in Onana. The Cameroonian keeper, expected to be a long-term solution after joining from Inter Milan, stands out for his footwork but regularly makes mistakes in crucial moments. Onana is especially vulnerable against teams that press in the box, as Arsenal exploited with Bayindir.

Altay Bayindir made a costly mistake in his rare start.

Last season, Onana repeatedly showed weaknesses in handling high balls and poor decision-making, leaving MU’s defense frequently unsettled. Former goalkeeper Joe Hart, commenting on Bayindir’s error, also pointed out that a top keeper needs to use his body to gain an advantage in one-on-one duels, something both Bayindir and Onana lack. Amorim’s need to choose between two goalkeepers with clear limitations demonstrates that MU’s goalkeeper problem is not just individual but a strategic gap. Unless a solution is found, the "Red Devils" will continue to suffer in crucial games, despite significant improvements in attack and midfield.

Intense pressure in the transfer market

With only two weeks left before the 2025 summer transfer window closes, Amorim is under heavy pressure to solve the goalkeeper issue. Gary Neville stressed how vital it is to have a keeper with "a big personality" who can command the penalty area. He compared this to MU’s successful eras under Peter Schmeichel and Edwin van der Sar, when the goalkeeper was a solid foundation for the defense, helping the team overcome tough times. Neville suggested two potential targets: Gianluigi Donnarumma from PSG and Emiliano Martinez from Aston Villa. "Donnarumma saved a penalty in the EURO final, and Martinez won the World Cup. They have the confidence and presence of top keepers," Neville commented.

However, signing Donnarumma or Martinez is no easy feat. Donnarumma, though linked with MU, is also wanted by Man City, and he himself has weaknesses in aerial handling despite his 1.96m height. Meanwhile, Martinez, with his excellent shot-stopping and experience under pressure, is valued at over £40 million, and Aston Villa are unlikely to let him leave.

According to The Athletic, MU can only sign a new goalkeeper if they sell one of their current two, putting Amorim in a difficult position. Fan reactions on social media also show deep disappointment with Bayindir and Onana. Many are calling for the club to "take decisive action" to fully resolve the goalkeeper issue.

Vu Manh

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