Amorim defends Bayindir with Ferguson-style tactics after Man Utd defeat

Amorim Channels Ferguson to Defend Bayindir Goalkeeper Call

Ruben Amorim stood firm after Manchester United’s defeat by Arsenal, echoing Sir Alex Ferguson’s old-school press conference tactics as he fiercely defended his decision to start Altay Bayindir over fit-again Andre Onana.

Ferguson-Style Response

Amorim’s news conference at Old Trafford lasted barely three and a half minutes, but the defining moment came when he was asked whether veteran Tom Heaton should have started instead.

“Why?” came the sharp reply, followed by a piercing stare – reminiscent of Ferguson’s approach to shutting down questions he considered divisive or undermining.

Amorim has spoken with Ferguson recently and, whether by coincidence or design, appears to be adopting the Scot’s siege-mentality philosophy: protecting his squad at all costs.

Why Bayindir Got the Nod

Despite Onana’s return to training following a July hamstring injury, Amorim felt Bayindir had earned his place.

• Pre-season Form: The Turkish keeper impressed in United’s unbeaten summer tour, featuring in three and a half of five matches.

• Squad Unity: Amorim argued it would undermine his “group-first” philosophy to drop Bayindir, who had done nothing to deserve being axed.

• Onana’s Fitness: The Cameroonian had only three full sessions under his belt and Amorim was unwilling to gamble.

Amorim’s stance: “I didn’t drop Onana… after just one week, without seeing a game, without training.”

Handling Criticism

Bayindir’s performance divided opinion. Former England keeper Joe Hart said on BBC Radio 5 Live that Bayindir should have done better for William Saliba’s goal, suggesting he could have used one hand to fend off contact while punching the ball with the other.

When reminded Bayindir had conceded similarly against Tottenham last season from a Son Heung-min corner, Amorim shot back: “Without VAR. With VAR it is a foul.”

He countered critics by highlighting Bayindir’s man-of-the-match display against Arsenal in the FA Cup last January: “Altay was unbelievable.”

What Next for United’s Goalkeepers?

Amorim dodged repeated questions about his long-term faith in United’s three keepers, but expectations are that Onana will return against Fulham at Craven Cottage next weekend.

With the transfer window closing soon, speculation around a new goalkeeper signing persists, but sources inside Old Trafford insist there will be no additions – even with Gianluigi Donnarumma linked.

For now, Amorim’s priority is maintaining trust in his squad. But history shows his next goalkeeper call could be just as heavily scrutinised.