After Manchester United were beaten by Arsenal in their first Premier League game of the season, Rio Ferdinand thinks one Red Devils star did not take his opportunity
Altay Bayindir of Manchester United fails to save a header which leads to the first goal for Arsenal scored by Riccardo Calafiori of Arsenal during the Premier League match between Manchester United and Arsenal at Old Trafford on August 17, 2025 in Manchester, England
It was a difficult afternoon for one Manchester United star, in particular, against Arsenal
(Image: 2025 Getty Images)
Rio Ferdinand offered a damning assessment of Manchester United goalkeeper Altay Bayindir's performance against Arsenal.
The Turkish shot-stopper was given the nod to start against the Gunners at Old Trafford, with Andre Onana only just returning from a hamstring problem. While recent reports have claimed United are interested in a move for Italian keeper Gianluigi Donnarumma, the match against Arsenal presented Bayindir with a great opportunity to show Ruben Amorim what he can do.
However, he was culpable for the visitor's goal, allowing William Saliba to overpower him before getting a weak punch to Declan Rice's curling corner, which Riccardo Calafiori nodded home from point blank range. Amorim defended the 27-year-old, claiming the goal ought to have been ruled out as he believed Saliba had improperly obstructed him.
Following the Gunners' 1-0 victory over United, Ferdinand confessed he remains doubtful about the former Fenerbahce keeper. Speaking on Rio Ferdinand Presents, the United legend said: "What I would say is that it was a cheap goal. We gave away a goal. The keeper has got to be better. He'll be hugely disappointed, because this was his chance.
Content Image
Content Image
"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.
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)
"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."
That solitary error represented United's only major mistake of the match, but it turned out to be decisive. At the opposite end of the field, Arsenal shot-stopper David Raya proved crucial, producing outstanding stops from Matheus Cunha and Bryan Mbeumo, whilst also dominating his 18-yard box.
This ultimately proved decisive as the Gunners secured the three points. But after United's disappointing campaign last season, Ferdinand believes there are plenty of reasons for encouragement from their display.
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
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.
"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."