Craig Burley questions Manchester United’s decision to start Altay Bayindir against City
The Manchester derby is always full of emotions and expectations, and this time is no different. Before the match, Manchester United manager Ruben Amorim made it clear that Altay Bayindir will start in goal, while new signing Senne Lammens still needs time. Amorim said it is important to give Lammens time to adjust to a different country, league, training and even ball.
He added that Bayindir already has experience in England, which could prove important in the big derby. Amorim reiterated his decision to start the Turkish shot-stopper against City, while also praising Manchester United’s Senne Lammens, indicating there will be tough competition for the position between the two players in future.
Craig Burley’s opinion on Manchester United starting Bayindir in the derby
Former Scottish footballer and ESPN pundit Craig Burley bluntly criticised Ruben Amorim’s decision to start the Turkish shot-stopper over the newly signed Belgian. He argued that Bayindir struggles with aerial balls and controlling set-pieces, which could spell trouble against Manchester City given the presence of Erling Haaland. The 53-year-old wants Pep Guardiola’s side to target the Turkish goalkeeper with aerial deliveries and set-pieces, and to try long throws in the style of Rory Delap. Burley felt that the 27-year-old Bayindir has shown his weakness with aerial deliveries and catching on many occasions, most recently in the opening game against Arsenal. He therefore wants City to attack him in the box. It will be interesting to see how the 27-year-old deals with it, given Amorim has trusted him over Lammens.
Manchester United
Bayindir has shown some vulnerability when dealing with crosses and set-pieces
“With Bayindir, every set-piece I’m putting Haaland and every centre half on him and just swinging it under the crossbar for fun. Hell, if Man City have got someone who takes long throws, I’m throwing it in Rory Delap style. I’m just piling it into the box because he’s absolutely hopeless at coming out and dealing with aerial balls – he’s shown that.”
Quote via: Metro
What is right?
Craig Burley’s point does not seem completely wrong, because Altay Bayindir has at times shown insecurity on crosses and set-pieces. His positioning and handling have looked a little weak when the pressure increases. However, it would be hasty to evaluate the goalkeeper only on this basis. Bayindir has shown excellent shot-stopping and accurate distribution on many occasions, which suggests it would not be right to judge his skills on only one aspect.
This decision was not easy for Manchester United, because on one hand the Turkish international already has experience in England and rapport with the team, while on the other Lammens has performed brilliantly in the Belgian Pro League. However, the 23-year-old Belgian is still adjusting to the new environment, and throwing him straight into a stage as big as the Manchester derby could have been a significant risk.
Is Amorim’s decision logical?
Amorim’s decision seems logical in the sense that Bayindir has spent a lot of time with the team, and his experience can be useful in this pressure-filled match. Yes, Burley’s warning cannot be ignored, because Manchester City’s aggression challenges any goalkeeper. With Erling Haaland’s habit of scoring and City’s focus on set-pieces, Bayindir will face additional pressure. For United, this is not just another match but an opportunity to increase confidence and strengthen their position in the points table.
Although the defence looks weak due to the absence of Lisandro Martínez, United will try to break down City’s high line with quick transitions and counters. The result of this match is hard to predict, but many expect both teams to score and make the game exciting. As fans, we want United to not just react but to establish their identity on the pitch and prove that this derby is their chance to move forward.