After Manchester United fell to a narrow 1-0 loss to Arsenal in their first match of the new Premier League campaign, Rio Ferdinand offered his thoughts on one star who struggled
Rio Ferdinand wearing a retro Manchester United shirt while speaking in a video call interview
Rio Ferdinand spoke honestly about Manchester United's home loss to Arsenal
(Image: YouTube/Rio Ferdinand Presents)
Rio Ferdinand believes Manchester United goalkeeper Altay Bayindir did not take his opportunity at Arsenal. The Turkish goalkeeper started against the north Londoners at Old Trafford, after Andre Onana only recently recovering from a hamstring injury.
United have been linked with a move for Italian shot-stopper Gianluigi Donnarumma in recent weeks, but Bayindir had the perfect opportunity to prove he deserves to be Ruben Amorim's first choice goalkeeper. But was at fault for Arsenal's goal, as he allowed himself to be out-muscled by William Saliba, resulting in him getting a weak punch on Declan Rice's in-swinging corner, which Riccardo Calafiori headed in from close range.
Amorim stuck up for the 27-year-old goalkeeper, stating the goal should have been disallowed as he felt Saliba had unfairly impeded him. After the result ended with the Gunners beating United 1-0, Ferdinand admitted he is unconvinced by the ex-Fenerbahce goalkeeper.
Speaking on his show Rio Ferdinand Presents, the United legend said: "What I would say is that it was a cheap goal. We gave you a goal. The keeper has got to be better. He’ll be hugely disappointed, because this was his chance.
"The manager has gone with him and backed him and he’s had, really, one thing to do in his penalty area and he didn’t pass the test. We say in the second half Raya had to come out under pressure from [Matthijs] De Ligt and he dealt with it.
"That’s the difference at the top level, one little mistake can cost you a game and the three points. He’s actually a nice guy, I’ve met him a good few times and spoke to him.
"He’s actually a hard-working guy, but in these situations it is so unforgiving. He’ll be judged hugely on this. That’s the way it is with goalkeepers. You make a mistake and it can be something that really is a little bit of your undoing at times."
Manchester United's Altay Bayindir fails to deal with a corner kick during the Premier League match between Manchester United and Arsenal at Old Trafford on August 17, 2025 in Manchester, England
Bayindir did not get enough power on his punch(Image: 2025 CameraSport)
The goal was United's only mistake of the game, but it proved to be pivotal. At the other end of the pitch, Arsenal goalkeeper David Raya was vital, making huge saves from Matheus Cunha and Bryan Mbeumo, while also commanding his penalty area.
It proved to be the difference as the Gunners held onto their lead. However, after United's poor campaign last year, Ferdinand believes there is a lot to be optimistic about from their performance.
He added: "Outside of that mistake and that goal, I have everything to be positive about. There were so many positives compared to what I saw last season.
Ruben Amorim, Manager of Manchester United applauds the fans following the Premier League match between Manchester United and Arsenal at Old Trafford on August 17, 2025 in Manchester, England
There were many positives for Ruben Amorim's side to take after finishing 15th last season
"You know United had 20 shots at goal against Arsenal? The last time United had 20 shots at goal against Arsenal was the 8-2 game (in 2011) at Old Trafford. That shows you.
"We didn’t score obviously, but I want chances. I prefer you to be creating chances and not scoring than actually not creating anything and looking a little bit limp up front."
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