Manchester United had a frustrating start to the Premier League season as Arsenal walked away with a 1-0 victory at Old Trafford, thanks to a costly early mistake from reserve goalkeeper Altay Bayindir.
Former United captain Roy Keane didn’t hold back in his post-match analysis, calling his old team “weak and soft.”
Bayindir’s Howler Hands Arsenal Early Advantage
Just 15 minutes into the game, Bayindir fluffed a corner, allowing Arsenal defender Riccardo Calafiori to nod the ball in from close range.
United dominated possession after that, but they couldn’t find a way back into the game.
The decision to start Bayindir over number one Andre Onana—who wasn’t even in the squad—raised eyebrows among fans and pundits alike.
United manager Ruben Amorim defended his goalkeeper, insisting the club isn’t looking to sign a new keeper in the final two weeks of the transfer window.
Keane Pulls No Punches on SKY
On SKY Studio, Keane was blunt about what he expected from a goalkeeper under pressure.
“If you’re the goalkeeper, just take control of the six-yard box,” he said. “Keepers and defenders complain all the time, ‘Oh, people are on my face.’ Well, you get in their face.
Focus on the ball. Be aggressive. Come with violence, come and be aggressive.
That is your area. Take control of it. Arsenal are very good at it. But Man United? Weak and soft.”
Keane also noted Bayindir’s past mistakes, including a similar error in a Carabao Cup loss to Tottenham last season.
Amorim Stands By His Goalkeeper
Despite the criticism, Amorim defended Bayindir, emphasizing that VAR would have ruled a foul in some situations and highlighting his strong performances at Arsenal in other matches. “I didn’t drop Onana from the squad.
Guys like Tom Heaton and Bayindir did well in pre-season. I’m happy with the three goalkeepers,” Amorim said.
Regarding the nature of modern football set pieces, Amorim suggested goalkeepers are often in impossible positions due to evolving rules and the physicality allowed at corners.
Arsenal Shows Resilience to Take All Three Points
Arsenal left Manchester with three points, even if they weren’t at their best.
Manager Mikel Arteta praised his team’s resilience. “We did two things very well: take the set-piece and react to mistakes.
The way every single player reacted gives us the opportunity to win the game. This gives us momentum and confidence.
The team has to find that resilience throughout the season in different contexts,” he said.
In the end, Arsenal’s ability to capitalize on United’s early error highlighted both their grit and United’s defensive vulnerabilities, leaving fans and pundits talking about the need for composure and leadership at the back.
