Manchester United visit Fulham in the Premier League next Sunday, with who starts in goal being the biggest decision for Rúben Amorim.
Manchester United lost their opening Premier League match against Arsenal, despite looking like the better team throughout the 90 minutes. Rúben Amorim’s side lost 1-0 due to a goalkeeping mistake made by Altay Bayindir.
Declan Rice whipped in a corner in front of the Stretford End, and it appeared to be landing straight on Bayindir’s right glove until William Salba got in front of Mason Mount. The French defender forced Bayindir back, and the No.1 could only flap his left hand at the ball.
The contact wasn’t strong enough, and the Turkish shotstopper would’ve scored an own goal if it wasn’t for Riccardo Caliafiori, who headed the ball into the United goal from less than a yard out.
After the game, Amorim defender Bayindir and confirmed that Andre Onana was available for selection, but he chose to pick the goalkeepers who played throughout pre-season instead of him.
Jason Wilcox and the transfer team have been linked with new goalkeepers throughout the transfer window, and some reports suggest that they could re-enter the race for previous targets, although Amorim appears to be happy with his current options.
Amorim backs Onana for Fulham game
Onana hasn’t played for United since the Europa League final, having been left out of the Aston Villa game for Bayindir. He picked up an injury in pre-season and only returned to team training last week.
However, talkSPORT have reported that Onana is expected to return in goal for this weekend’s trip to Fulham, meaning Bayındır will be back on the bench after his error against Arsenal.
While United have been linked to several goalkeeper targets throughout the summer transfer window, Amorim has always made it clear that he is happy with the three goalkeepers he has at his disposal, as he repeated after the Arsenal game.
TalkSport’s report goes on to say that Amorim is happy with Onana, as he compares well to most other Premier League shotstoppers when examining the data, likely including metrics that the public isn’t privy to.
Vitek should be promoted next season
Radek Vitek has been loaned to Bristol City for the 2025/26 season, to further his development after his loan move in the Austrian top flight.
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The 21-year-old has already impressed regular viewers of the Championship, as he helped Bristol City achieve a 4-1 victory over Sheffield United and a 0-0 draw against Charlton Athletic, despite facing eight shots in the latter encounter.
Vitek has already made eight saves in the Championship, while he has also made six high claims, something Bayindir failed to do against Arsenal.
His 6’6″ frame gives him an advantage over most opposition, while he also has brilliant reactions and reflexes.
If United don’t sign a new shotstopper this summer, Vitek has to be included in the first-team squad from the end of the season.
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