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Goalkeeper debate reignites at Manchester United after Bayindir blunder against Arsenal

Ruben Amorim’s bold decision to start Altay Bayindir ahead of fit-again André Onana backfired as Manchester United slipped to a 1-0 defeat against Arsenal at Old Trafford. The Turkish goalkeeper misjudged Declan Rice’s corner in the 13th minute, allowing Riccardo Calafiori to nod home what proved to be the winning goal.

Onana’s future has been under the spotlight following a mixed first season in England, where costly errors overshadowed flashes of quality. Amorim insisted the Cameroonian was left out purely due to a hamstring injury that kept him sidelined throughout pre-season, yet his absence reignited the debate about United’s goalkeeping department.

Former England No.1 Joe Hart was blunt in his analysis, arguing Bayindir had “lost his bearings” in the challenge and failed to impose himself. Hart compared the moment to David de Gea’s early struggles at United, when Sir Alex Ferguson instructed his defence to shield the Spaniard in set-piece situations, something Peter Schmeichel had once commanded with authority.

United had poured over £200m into strengthening their attack this summer, bringing in Matheus Cunha and Bryan Mbeumo. The duo offered flashes of promise, with Cunha’s relentless pressing pleasing the home fans and Mbeumo showing the same goal threat that delivered 20 league goals for Brentford last season. Yet, their improved attacking play was overshadowed by doubts in goal.

Although names like Aston Villa’s World Cup winner Emiliano Martinez and PSG’s Gianluigi Donnarumma have been linked, United have distanced themselves from such deals. Instead, they allowed highly-rated Czech prospect Radek Vitek to go on loan to Bristol City, leaving 37-year-old Tom Heaton as the only alternative senior option.

Amorim defended his selection vigorously, reminding reporters of Bayindir’s penalty heroics against Arsenal in last season’s FA Cup. Still, with Fulham up next, the expectation is that Onana will reclaim his spot between the posts.

“We showed today we can compete with anyone,” Amorim said. “I’m happy with my three goalkeepers.”

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