Manchester United surrendered meekly to Manchester City in the Manchester derby, with the hosts winning 3-0 at the Etihad on Sunday.
Given Pep Guardiola’s recent struggles, the Red Devils were expected to make a fist of it, but Ruben Amorim’s safety-first approach backfired badly.
The defence looked shaky, while Altay Bayindir had another outing to forget. The club have got rid of Andre Onana, but on current evidence, the Turkiye international is not fit to start games either.
From almost conceding a comical goal, to being easily bypassed for all three strikes, Amorim deserved brickbats for sticking with the ex-Fenerbahce ace instead of turning to new signing Senne Lammens.
Bayindir has not impressed
INEOS are not impressed, and as per Juve Live, Bayindir’s stay at Old Trafford is expected to come to an end in January, with the 20-time English league champions eyeing Juventus shot-stopper Michele Di Gregorio.
The Italian has kept two clean-sheets in three games this season for the Bianconeri, and was instrumental in taking the Turin-based side back to the Champions League last term.
The 28-year-old had helped keep 19 clean sheets in 47 games, and new manager Igor Tudor is a huge fan and does not want to lose his goalie.
However, the Old Trafford side are planning an approach in the winter and are ready to submit a sizeable offer. As things stand, only a mega offer can see the Serie A giants sell the ex-Monza star.
“Last season was certainly not a happy one for Juventus, but there were still some positives that are continuing this season. One of these is Michele Di Gregorio, the Bianconeri’s goalkeeper and a key figure for Igor Tudor.
“Some big clubs have reportedly set their sights on the Juventus goalkeeper, including Manchester United, who would like to launch their attack as early as January.
Michele Di Gregorio on United’s radar
“Having let go of André Onana almost out of desperation, Manchester United are now searching for a new first-choice goalkeeper. The Red Devils have no intention of handing the reins to Bayindir, and according to the latest rumors, they’ve put Michele Di Gregorio at the top of their transfer list.
“Manchester United’s plan is not to wait and to launch an offensive for the Juventus goalkeeper right away during the winter transfer window, making a significant offer. Only a truly indecent offer could shake Juventus, who currently have no intention of even sitting down at the negotiating table.”
Having secured his services permanently for €14 million this past summer, Juventus will likely demand more than double for their new No.1.
Whether INEOS jump for him and let Bayindir go this winter, or wait until next summer to solve this issue will be interesting to see.
Feature image Valerio Pennicino via Getty Images
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Ayantan Chowdhury
Ayantan has worked for 10 years in the Indian sports media industry, writing for the biggest newspapers and websites but his heart was always set on writing about his favourite club. Currently an editor at The Peoples Person. You can follow him on X: @ayantanc_25
