In the final weeks of the transfer market, Rúben Amorim rejected the suggestion that he needs a new goalkeeper, despite Altay Bayindir’s error that cost Manchester United the match against Arsenal at the start of the Premier League season. Bayindir was chosen over André Onana for the 1-0 defeat at Old Trafford, after the Cameroonian international missed the entire pre-season due to a hamstring injury. Onana was fit to play after resuming full training last week. But Amorim opted for Bayindir and the Turkish international made a critical error that allowed Riccardo Calafiori to score from a corner by Declan Rice, the only goal of the match.
In a tense post-match press conference, Amorim defended Bayindir and said he doesn’t need a new goalkeeper. In his pre-match press conference on Friday, Amorim confirmed that Onana was fit to play against Arsenal, despite having only had three sessions with the team in the run-up to the match. It was a surprise that he wasn’t on the team when the teams were announced, but Amorim said that the former Ajax player had not been “left out”.I am happy with the three goalkeepers. He [Bayindir] chooses to catch the ball, but he is pushed. That is my feeling when I see the play.
Rúben Amorim
Image: Manchester United goalkeeper Altay Bayindir reacts after conceding a goal against Arsenal in the Premier League.
Getty Images
Despite the result, United were the better team for long periods against Arsenal. Patrick Dorgu hit the post in the first half, while summer signings Matheus Cunha and Bryan Mbeumo had chances that were saved by David Raya.I didn’t rule Onana out of the team. It’s not about ruling out Onana. It’s not about putting André Onana in a week without seeing the match, without time, with training.
Rúben Amorim
In a revealing move by Amorim, forward Rasmus Højlund was excluded from the team that played against Arsenal, adding to the speculation that he could be on his way out before the transfer market closes on September 1st. A possible destination for Højlund, who joined United in the summer of 2023, is Milan. The sporting director of the Serie A club said on Sunday: “Højlund is a good option for us. We are thinking about him, but in the transfer market you never know what can happen.” The new signing, Benjamin Sesko, was presented before that match and appeared from the bench against the Gunners at Old Trafford, where the Danish international was notable for his absence. After the match, Amorim stated: “It’s a fight for positions. We’ll see what’s going to happen in the market. There are different characteristics. Rasmus has the same characteristics as Benjamin Sesko, so we have to choose.”We have the feeling that we played better. We were the better team, but in the end we lost the match. I am very proud of the work they did on the field and that is important to move forward.
Rúben Amorim
