Roy Keane has vocally criticised Manchester United’s goalkeeper, Altay Bayindir, following the team’s 1-0 defeat to Arsenal in their Premier League opener. The match, held at Old Trafford, saw Riccardo Calafiori score the winner in the 13th minute, capitalising on Bayindir’s failure to effectively handle a corner from Declan Rice.
This defeat comes as no surprise, given Arsenal’s strong performance last season where they finished second, compared to United’s disappointing 15th place— their worst result since the 1973-74 season. Many expected United to show promise in the opening match, especially after recent signings, but Keane was quick to express his disappointment, stating the team appeared “weak and soft,” particularly in allowing Arsenal to dominate set-pieces.
Keane emphasised that keepers must assert control in their six-yard box, suggesting Bayindir was overly passive when challenged by Arsenal defender William Saliba, who obstructed him prior to the goal. United’s manager, Ruben Amorim, also questioned the legality of the goal, arguing that Saliba’s actions should have warranted a foul.
Despite the loss, Amorim maintained an optimistic outlook, expressing confidence in his team’s potential to compete against anyone in the league. He highlighted new signings Matheus Cunha and Bryan Mbeumo as valuable assets who injected energy into the team’s attack, with Cunha notably being the standout player during the match.
United captain Bruno Fernandes also expressed frustration, recalling that Premier League referees had promised stricter enforcement of fouls in such situations, yet the reality on the pitch betrayed that assurance. He noted that Bayindir felt the impact of Saliba while attempting to intercept the ball.
Looking ahead, Amorim acknowledged the need for a more aggressive approach to match Arsenal’s physicality and hinted that the goalkeeper position would be scrutinised going forward, particularly with Andre Onana returning from injury. Despite the challenges, he was pleased with the team’s overall performance and resilience compared to the previous season, stating that they stuck to their strategy amidst pressure.
Arsenal’s manager, Mikel Arteta, welcomed the win as a significant achievement, particularly given the challenges posed by a spirited United side. While acknowledging the high stakes, he emphasised the importance of beginning the season with a victory and the potential he sees in his squad despite their opening match not showcasing a dominant performance.