Manchester United fell 1-0 to Arsenal at Old Trafford in a thrilling Premier League curtain-raiser.
The Red Devils dominated possession, pinned Arsenal deep into their own half, and looked the sharper side for long spells.
The Gunners scored an early goal from a corner set-piece that proved to be the difference between the two sides.
Altay Bayindir was at fault, failing to command his area as William Saliba bullied him off the ball.
Gary Neville urged INEOS to sign a new goalkeeper before the window slams shut.
He said on the Gary Neville Podcast at Sky Sports: “There’s a glaring issue that Man Utd cannot ignore and it is the fact they need to find a goalkeeper.
“They have to. I’m unequivocal on that. I don’t know where they are on PSR, but they might have to magic up a bit more money in the next week or two, or do something on loan.
“You’ve got to have personality, stability and character in that position, and Man Utd are going to have to deal with it in the next couple of weeks.”
So close, yet so far
Few expected United to sign Matheus Cunha, Bryan Mbeumo, Benjamin Sesko, and Diego Leon this summer.
After months of financial belt-tightening, hopes for a blockbuster window were modest at best.
INEOS have sprung a major surprise by overseeing a complete overhaul of the attack.
Cunha and Mbeumo immediately showed why they are considered Premier League standouts.
They brought intensity and dynamism to a front line that had been sorely lacking at United.
A goalkeeper cannot keep making the same kind of mistakes. As the last line of defence, his errors could prove catastrophic.
The Red Devils were eliminated from the 2023-24 Champions League largely due to high-profile blunders from Andre Onana.
Arsenal are masters at suffocating goalkeepers from corners and once again exposed United’s fragility.
Saliba used his strength to deny Bayindir the space to jump and make a high claim. His poor clearance allowed Riccardo Calafiori to sweep Arsenal home.
Whether foul or not, Bayindir should have been wise to the visitors’ set-piece tricks.
Signing a new goalkeeper should now be a top priority.
The two goalkeepers at United are lacking confidence and the club need a new authoritative figure between the sticks.
INEOS have done well this summer but they must look for a reliable shot-stopper over the next fortnight.