Altay Bayindir’s mistake cost Manchester United dearly against Arsenal in their opening game of the Premier League 2025/26 season
Last season, Manchester United shattered all expectations by finishing 15th in the Premier League. Ruben Amorim took over as manager mid-season, but the team lost to Tottenham Hotspur in the Europa League final as well. As a result, United are out of any European competition in the 2025/26 season.
At the start of the new season, United hoped that everything would change, but the opening match played against Arsenal on Sunday told the same old story. The team shone in the early minutes, but gradually the rhythm deteriorated.
Altay Bayindir missed the ball badly on an Arsenal corner, and Riccardo Calafiori scored a goal with a header. After Benjamin Sesko came on, Manchester United regained some of the attacking edge, but Bryan Mbeumo‘s efforts were in vain. First, his brilliant volley went out wide, and the second time, David Raya stopped the header.
Gary Neville’s Concern
"Not strong enough"- Manchester United legend Gary Neville calls on club to fix key weakness following Arsenal loss.
Bayindir has made mistakes many times, and the Arsenal goal is part of that pattern
On Sky Sports, as relayed by MEN, Gary Neville made it clear that the goalkeeper’s weakness is repeatedly hurting the team. He believed that Bayindir should have been more forceful on corners. Neville pointed out that Bayindir was responsible for several goals last season as well, most notably in the 4-1 loss to Newcastle United. The former United player opined that the goalkeeper looking so weak at this stage is a big risk for United and if this continues, the team will fall further behind.
“It’s going to keep hurting UNITED, the goalkeeper has got to be stronger. He’ll complain that he’s been fouled, there’s a player in front of him, there’s a lot of pushing and shoving.
“I think the goalkeeper has to be stronger, get that player out the way, Saliba hasn’t got his hands up, I don’t think he’s done anything at all.
“It goes through his hands, it’s definitely a goal, he’s just not strong enough. The delivery is sensational and they just don’t deal with it.”
Looking at United’s results, it is natural to question whether Neville is right or Bayindir should get more time. In our opinion, both are true. Bayindir has made mistakes many times, and the Arsenal goal is part of that pattern. A goalkeeper who constantly hesitates on corners and crosses in the Premier League will face serious problems, but at the same time, it must also be acknowledged that the team are in transition under Amorim and Bayindir needs confidence, as Onana recovers from an injury. The Cameroon shot-stopper himself has made blunders last season.
The second aspect is the team’s defensive structure. It is easy to blame Bayindir alone, but the truth is that the lack of defensive organisation is also evident. It was not only the goalkeeper’s fault that Calafiori scored so easily, but also the team’s lack of preparation on set-pieces.
The third question is the most important—should United get a new goalkeeper or make Bayindir stronger? Right now, with the summer window coming to a close soon, the club have no other options available to them, and hence should not rush. Amorim should focus on Bayindir’s physical presence and mental strength. If he improves, the problem can be solved, but if the same mistakes are repeated in the next few months, then the board will have to consider new options. Time is running out for United, as every match will now bring pressure.