Ruben Amorim’s Reds got off to an unfortunate start in 2025/2026. (Photo by Stu Forster/Getty Images)
Manchester United fell to a defeat on the opening day of their 2025/2026 campaign, but there’ll be plenty of positives to take into the upcoming fixtures.
Yet another set-piece goal from the travelling Gunners was the only way they could break down a resilient and well-drilled United side at Old Trafford yesterday.
Unlike countless matches last season, fans really felt that a leveller would arrive before the final whistle. Despite the Reds’ best efforts, they were on the receiving end of a narrow loss.
Altay Bayindir struggles in rare Premier League start
The clash will have also given Ruben Amorim much to think about before his men travel to Craven Cottage this weekend, with supporters anticipating that one change may come in the goalkeeping department.
It was confirmed before kick-off on Sunday that Andre Onana would miss out because his hamstring injury had allowed him to train only three times at Carrington since being deemed fit enough to get involved. As a result, second-choice Altay Bayindir occupied the spot between the sticks to make just his 12th appearance for the club.
Ultimately, the Turkish international left a lot to be desired with his showing. There will be debates over just how much William Saliba interfered with Bayindir’s vision for Arsenal’s goal, but Manchester Evening News’ Samuel Luckhurst believes the ‘keeper could’ve – and should’ve – done more regardless.
“Bayindir from a corner. Again. Hopeless. How he is starting ahead of [Tom] Heaton, never mind Onana, is beyond me,” said the journalist moments after the deadlock was broken.
Bayindir and Onana likely to see out the summer window at Old Trafford
Towards the back end of 2024/2025, reports suggested Bayindir would be moved on this summer to aid his chances of being his nation’s No.1 for the World Cup next year. However, it’s now essentially nailed on that both he and Onana will continue being Amorim’s two options for the next nine-and-a-half months – unless any substantial errors force INEOS’ hand into a mid-season signing.
