Arsenal
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Arsenal legend Ian Wright has launched a scathing attack on Manchester United goalkeeper Altay Bayindir following the Red Devils’ 1-0 defeat to Arsenal in their Premier League opener at Old Trafford on Sunday.
The match was decided in the 13th minute when Riccardo Calafiori capitalised on a costly error from Bayindir. The Turkish goalkeeper, deputising for the fit-again Andre Onana, failed to deal with Declan Rice’s inswinging corner under pressure from William Saliba. His weak attempt to claim the ball left Calafiori free to head into an unguarded net, silencing the Old Trafford crowd.
United’s protests for a foul were dismissed, and the incident reignited long-standing concerns about the club’s goalkeeping department. Wright did not hold back in his assessment.
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“He’s nowhere near good enough,” Wright said on punditry duty.“Manchester United cannot keep ignoring their goalkeeping problems. If they want to compete at the top, they need a keeper who can handle these moments.”
Altay Bayindir
Riccardo Calafiori scored against Manchester United after Altay Bayindir’s mistake (Image credit: Getty Images)
The criticism echoes a growing sentiment among fans and pundits alike, with even first-choice goalkeeper Onana facing scrutiny for inconsistent performances last season.
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Despite the defeat, there were positives for Ruben Amorim’s side. New signings Matheus Cunha and Bryan Mbeumo impressed on their debuts, while Patrick Dorgu came close to scoring when he struck the post. Arsenal goalkeeper David Raya, however, produced a man-of-the-match display, pulling off a series of vital saves to preserve his side’s lead.
Former United captain Roy Keane also criticised Bayindir, calling his effort “weak and soft” before insisting that goalkeepers must “come with violence” to dominate their area. While fellow pundit Micah Richards argued that Arsenal’s clever set-piece routines exposed United’s defence collectively, Keane dismissed the notion, saying: “You can’t babysit a goalkeeper.”
Bayindir’s mistake ultimately overshadowed United’s encouraging performance and ensured Arsenal began their campaign with a hard-fought victory at Old Trafford.
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