Manchester United’s 2025/26 season has started with a glaring concern that continues to haunt them—goalkeeping instability. Ruben Amorim’s squad showed promise in their narrow 1-0 defeat against Arsenal on Sunday, yet a familiar frailty left fans questioning if the same issue will define their season.
Encouraging Signs Amid Familiar Weaknesses
United’s new signings, Matheus Cunha and Bryan Mbeumo, brought flashes of creativity and attacking threat, offering hope to the Old Trafford faithful. The team pressed effectively, demonstrated improved creativity, and kept their confidence high despite trailing. However, it was Altay Bayindir’s inexplicable mistake in goal that handed Arsenal’s Riccardo Calafiori the game’s solitary goal, once again exposing the Reds’ vulnerability between the posts.
Replacing David de Gea has proven to be a significant challenge for the club since the departure of the Spanish veteran in July 2023. Andre Onana, brought in from Inter Milan, was expected to revolutionize United’s playing style with his footwork and ability to build attacks from the back. However, his tenure has been plagued by inconsistency, leading to rumors of a potential exit this summer.
Bayindir’s Role Under the Spotlight
With Onana’s struggles evident, many have called for Bayindir to step up. The Turkish goalkeeper impressed last January with a standout display against Arsenal in the FA Cup, earning him widespread praise and calls for further involvement. Yet Sunday’s performance raised questions about whether he can handle the pressure of being United’s number one goalkeeper.
Ruben Amorim must decide quickly whether to persist with Bayindir or seek reinforcements in the January transfer window. If United aim to compete at the highest level, their goalkeeping dilemma needs an urgent solution.
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Manchester United’s potential for success this season remains exciting, but their inability to solve the goalkeeping issue keeps them from achieving their full potential.
