Ruben Amorim and Manchester United’s 2025/26 Premier League campaign got off to a shaky start with a 1-0 loss to Arsenal at Old Trafford – and, in the aftermath of the defeat, the Portuguese tactician jumped to the defence of Altay Bayindir, whose error cost the Red Devils a chance of three points.
Amorim, who was born in Lisbon, is naturally eager to make up for his mistakes in the 2024/25 season, and his team had the ideal opportunity to get off to a fast start as they welcomed the Gunners to their home field for the season opener.
It was not to be, however, as Riccardo Calafiori opened and closed the scoring in the 13th minute, before Arsenal preserved their lead admirably. The Italian returned home when Bayindir’s weak palm swung in the air toward the far post and, unhappily, into Calafiori’s path.
Man Utd Boss Ruben Amorim Leaps to Altay Bayindir’s Defence in Post-Match Press Conference
Declan Rice whipped in a corner from the left side, causing a commotion in the danger area, and those in red claimed to referee Simon Hooper that Bayindir had been impeded by William Saliba, who looked to block his path to the ball. Amorim mentioned this after the game.
“If you watch the ball, [the opponent] can do a lot of stuff in the corners. “We need to do the same,” he told The Guardian. “But when you touch that way [block], the goalkeeper should be able to catch the ball with his hands rather than pushing players out of the way.” He prefers to push guys and let the ball pass. But, again, it’s the rules. If it’s legal, we should do the same thing.”
When asked if he had contemplated putting Tom Heaton in goal after Bayindir’s high-profile error last season allowed Son Heung-min to score directly from a corner, resulting in his side’s Carabao Cup exit at the hands of Tottenham Hotspur, Amorim was equally adamant of the Turk’s standing.
“Why? Without VAR [in the competition]. “With VAR, it’s a foul,” Amorim said before referring to Bayindir’s masterclass the next game. “So what occurred in the next game? Arsenal. Who absolved the penalty? “Who saved the game?”
Watch Amorim respond to Bayindir’s question following Manchester United’s 1-0 loss to Arsenal:
Bayindir, 27, joined the Red Devils from Turkish club Fenerbahce in the summer of 2023, but has primarily played second fiddle to Andre Onana since then. He’s only preserved three clean sheets in 12 appearances, conceding 21 goals.
In the same post-match press conference, Amorim was asked if he was satisfied with the goalkeepers at his disposal. “We demonstrated today that we can win any game in the Premier League, particularly against a great side like Arsenal, and we were the superior team. I’m pleased with the three goalkeepers,” he stated.
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