Home Blog Page 60

Damning stat proves United flop is worst in the league in his position, Amorim must replace him immediately

Manchester United have made a shocking start to the season, with three defeats from their first six Premier League games.

There have been few bright sparks, with the campaign currently a comedy of errors from players and manager alike.

One of the worst offenders has been goalkeeper Altay Bayindir, who has started every league match and conceded 11 goals.

Trouble between the sticks

Andre Onana, drafted in by Erik ten Hag to replace a declining David de Gea, failed to find any form at Old Trafford.

He moved to Trabzonspor on loan at the start of the season, and his time at United will be remembered more for his blunders than his much-trumpeted ability on the ball.

Bayindir, who had hitherto struggled for gametime, was thrust into the starting lineup and has largely frozen like a rabbit in the headlights.

The Turkish shotstopper made some impressive saves against Brentford, but supporters are growing impatient to see deadline day arrival Senne Lammens handed his first United game.

Damning statistic

Bayindir has had a rotating cast of defenders in front of him and Ruben Amorim’s system has gaping defensive flaws, but he is yet to manage a clean sheet this season.

What’s more, Statman Dave has now taken a closer look at the 27-year-old’s underlying data, and it does not make for pretty reading.

The football analyst noted that Bayindir’s save percentage of 54% in the Premier League is “the worst rate of any goalkeeper to have played in every game so far”.

Altay Bayındır’s 54% save percentage in the Premier League this season is the worst rate of any goalkeeper to have played in every game so far.

Surely a change is coming?! 😳 pic.twitter.com/7FzLP9Mgp1

— Statman Dave (@StatmanDave) September 29, 2025

“Surely a change is coming?!,” he added, echoing United fans everywhere. Lammens is reportedly performing well in training so is bound to get the nod for the first team at some point.

With pressure at an all-time high, and a trip to Liverpool following this weekend’s clash with Sunderland, Amorim may still be looking to protect the 23-year-old Belgian.

But Bayindir is clearly not up to the task of being United’s number 1, so it’s a case of when, not if, Lammens is eventually given a go.

Featured image Mike Hewitt via Getty Images


Follow us on Bluesky: @peoplesperson.bsky.social

Joe has spent more than half his life writing about football and all of it following United. As a child he told a doctor his name was ‘Paul Scholes’, but could never pick a pass like him no matter how much he tried.

Man Utd set to rival Chelsea for La Liga sensation – Report

0
GIRONA, SPAIN – SEPTEMBER 20: Karl Etta Eyong of Levante UD looks on during the LaLiga EA Sports match between Girona FC and Levante UD at Montilivi Stadium on September 20, 2025 in Girona, Spain. (Photo by Pedro Salado/Getty Images)

Manchester United suffered a crushing defeat to Brentford in the Premier League last weekend, losing 3–1 to the Bees. It was a massive blow to Rúben Amorim, who had just eased some of the pressure with a win over Chelsea.

The result again underlined the Red Devils’ problem of being unable to win two games in a row and build momentum. The manager cannot do much when players do not step up when it matters, as with Bruno against Brentford.

Despite their on-pitch struggles, there is no dearth of rumours off it, with Fichajes reporting that Man Utd are set to rival Chelsea and Tottenham for the signature of Levante striker Etta Eyong.

A relatively unknown proposition ahead of the 2025/26 season, the 21-year-old burst into the limelight with his performances for Villarreal, then moved to Levante for regular game time. The Cameroonian international has made a sensational start in his new home.

A lot of interest

This has understandably piqued interest from Premier League giants, but Villarreal still retain a first right of refusal and a sell-on percentage. Eyong has four goals and three assists in seven La Liga games so far this season.

Man Utd’s striker woes have been well documented, and even though Benjamin Šeško was signed in the summer to address them, the Slovenian has only just netted his first goal for the club. Having an alternative like Eyong could be an excellent decision.

The Red Devils must first focus on getting their house in order on the pitch. Focusing on new players makes little sense when the existing ones are not playing to their potential and Amorim has a very difficult task on his hands.

The next few weeks could make or break the Amorim era at Old Trafford. For the sake of the club, one hopes that he can succeed, and let us wait and see how it plays out.

“One to watch:” Fabrizio Romano provides update on Man United manager job; Ruben Amorim will be worried

Manchester United manager Ruben Amorim is in the hot seat, with a rising volume of media reports casting doubt over his future.

Given the club’s consistently erratic form, several candidates have emerged as potential replacements for the Portuguese manager.

In recent days, Man United legend Michael Carrick has been tipped as a potential replacement.

Former Barcelona boss Xavi has also been punted as a candidate for the job, with the Spaniard reportedly interested in the role.

Still, there is one candidate whose links with United appear to be stronger than the rest.

Direct talks reported

Gareth Southgate has long been linked with the United managerial role, at least according to media reports.

Furthermore, it has been suggested that Sir Jim Ratcliffe has been in direct talks with Southgate in recent weeks.

A later report covered by The Peoples Person dismissed the direct talk rumours, with ESPN claiming that United are not currently looking for a replacement for Amorim, while adding that Southgate was a possible replacement for Erik ten Hag before Amorim was selected as his successor.

Now, renowned transfer expert Fabrizio Romano has broken his silence on the matter.

Southgate’s predicament revealed

“My understanding, guys, from Manchester United sources, [is that] they are playing down all the reports saying that Sir Jim Ratcliffe, or anyone at the club, already met officially with Gareth Southgate to discuss the possibility for the former England boss to become the new Manchester United manager,” Romano stated on his YouTube channel.

“I told you yesterday that the relationship between people at INEOS is very good with Gareth Southgate, and that’s why we have links, but at the moment of concrete negotiations, I’m not aware of any proposal. I’m not aware of Manchester United going around and telling managers, Southgate or anyone else, like, we want you to be the new boss,” he continued, confirming Southgate’s relationship with INEOS but denying talks.

Still, unlike ESPN, Romano is not so sure that Amorim’s job is safe.

Shedding light on Amorim’s future

“The situation of Ruben Amorim is one to watch, for sure. I’m not saying that Ruben Amorim is safe. Amorim’s job is NOT absolutely safe,” Romano confirmed, before continuing, “because they have to perform in a different way, because Man United need to see results.”

“The next games will be important for Ruben Amorim.”

Given the rising pressure on Amorim, Romano’s words ring true. Amorim will need to find his form urgently if he hopes to stay clear of the outrage of a frustrated United fanbase.


Follow us on Bluesky: @peoplesperson.bsky.social

A faithful Manchester United supporter, Mathew has worked as a football writer and analyst for SB Nation, FanSided, and now The Peoples Person. Mathew’s heroes include David Beckham, Cristiano Ronaldo, and Sir Alex Ferguson, all of whom played their part in creating some special childhood memories.

Why Phallon is the best goalkeeper

0

Skip to Main NavigationSkip to content

Tuesday 30 September 2025 14:00

Manchester United Women fans probably don’t need numbers to tell them how much of an impact Phallon Tullis-Joyce has made since she was handed her Barclays WSL debut 12 months ago.

Tullis-Joyce, signed in the summer of 2023, had huge gloves to fill when replacing the legendary Mary Earps as the Reds’ first-choice goalkeeper.

She’s fulfilled that task superbly, helping Marc Skinner’s side into the Champions League and claiming numerous individual honours, including the Golden Glove and the club’s Players’ Player of the Year prize.

So, while it’s clear how important the American has become for Marc Skinner’s side, delving into the stats further emphasises her impressive role.

Our friends at Opta inform us that nobody has kept as many clean sheets in the top division since 21 September 2024, when Phallon made her WSL bow.

United have played 26 league games since, including that 3-0 triumph over West Ham United, and our goal has been unbreached in 16 of them – 13 last term and three already in the current one.

Only Manchester City (twice), Arsenal and Liverpool have scored past Phallon more than once in a game during that spell.

Chelsea’s Hannah Hampton has the next-highest number of shutouts, with the 13 clean sheets kept by England’s Euros-winning keeper in 2024/25 ensuring she shared the Golden Glove with Tullis-Joyce back in May.

The United defence in front of Phallon is undeniably strong, as Maya Le Tissier and Jayde Riviere joined the US international in the PFA Team of the Year.

However, another stat from Opta shows that Tullis-Joyce is also the best keeper in the league when it comes to save percentage, among those who have played 10 games or more.

Phallon has saved 80 per cent of the on-target shots she’s faced in the WSL, again placing her clear of Hampton (79 per cent) and Arsenal’s Daphne van Domselaar, who has a 75 per cent save percentage and 11 clean sheets in this time frame.

Our no.91 was at her best in our recent goalless draw with the Gunners, as her fingertip save from Olivia Smith helped secure the Player of the Match award.

“There aren’t many keepers who make those saves, and we’ve got one who can,” said Skinner.

“I’ve said it many times, we have the best goalkeeper. The shame is that, over time, it almost becomes something you expect from her, because of the high levels she’s set.

“To be present in the moment, when we need her, was a key sign of the top-quality goalkeeper that we have.”

Recommended:

  • What a stop by Tullis-Joyce! Video

    What a stop by Tullis-Joyce!

    United Women’s USA international Phallon Tullis-Joyce had no right to make this save…

Tuesday 30 September 2025 14:00

Back to Top

‘Final decision’ made: United star whose summer transfer collapsed will have situation ‘revisited’ in January

0

Manchester United’s Sam Mather will be reintegrated into the Under-21 squad this week after failing to complete his desired summer transfer.

The 21-year-old had been linked with a handful of clubs throughout the summer, having entered the transfer window with full intentions of leaving United permanently.

Sam Mather: What went on this summer?

Sam Mather in action for Man United’s Under-21s.
(via MUFC’s official website)

He received approaches from sides in Germany, Sweden and Turkey, as per Manchester Evening News, but nothing materialised. Then, after the main European deadline passed, Mather was in talks with Kayseripor in a move that would’ve seen him follow on-loan Red Andre Onana to the Turkish Super Lig.

That was until the prospective switch collapsed due to United feeling there wasn’t ‘enough time’ to get everything over the line.

Mather was consequently left with few options regarding where he could ply his trade at a senior level, and began negotiating with Abu Dhabi-based Al Wahda. 

Mather misses out on UAE transfer – ‘final decision’ made

For the youngster, the prospect of playing in the AFC Champions League was an enticing one, despite prioritising a European venture only a few months ago.

According to Steven Railston’s report this morning, United had requested in discussions with Al Wahda that a buy-back clause be included in their agreement. This is said to be ‘common practice’ when a player from the academy leaves, although the UAE outfit rebuffed the plea.

Mather is now set for another four months of U21S football before his situation can be ‘revisited’ in the winter. He has been drafted into first-team training with Ruben Amorim’s squad on numerous occasions, but is still awaiting his senior debut for the club.

The fact that United are only playing one game a week this season will also make his quest to break into the setup increasingly trickier.

Ruben Amorim U-turns on exiled Man United star, will invite him back to first-team to train

0

Tyrell Malacia has been recalled to the first-team setup at Manchester United following a summer of exile.

Indeed, the Dutch international became the only remaining member of the bomb squad when all transfer windows closed this month.

What’s happened with Malacia this summer?

He had been made to watch on whilst Antony, Alejandro Garnacho, Marcus Rashford and Jadon Sancho all secured their desired moves elsewhere.

Malacia was, at one stage, on the cusp of signing for Spanish side Elche on loan for the campaign. However, talks collapsed between both clubs on deadline day after they failed to reach an agreement over a buy option or clause.

The 26-year-old was then approached by Eyupspor, again regarding a season-long loan, but he turned down the opportunity.

Since then, Malacia has been training with United’s Under-21s at Carrington – until today.

Read more: INEOS will pursue coveted PL star in 2026 irrespective of whether Amorim stays, Keane thinks he’s ‘fantastic’

Malacia restored to first-team squad by Ruben Amorim

Tyrell Malacia in action for Man United in 2024/2025
Malacia spent 18 months sidelined with a knee injury before returning to action last November. (Photo by Justin Setterfield/Getty Images)

Netherlands-based journalist Joost Blaauwhof took to X/Twitter this morning to confirm that Ruben Amorim has ‘brought Malacia back into first-team selection’.

Blaauwhof adds that the defender is ‘getting a new chance’ and has ‘immediately joined the group’ as they undergo their preparations for the visit of Sunderland on Saturday afternoon.

After Amorim took the reins last November, Malacia made eight appearances in all competitions, starting twice in the Premier League and three times in the Europa League.

When the January window rolled around, he was sent on loan to PSV Eindhoven, where he claimed an Eredivisie winners’ medal upon the culmination of his temporary spell – although the club opted against making his deal permanent and sent him back to Manchester in June.

‘It’s fragile’: Whitwell says INEOS can’t keep ignoring Man United results, questions are getting ‘louder’

0

Laurie Whitwell has shared his take on Ruben Amorim’s job security at Manchester United.

From the journalist’s perspective, he believes that INEOS will be more determined to stick with Amorim because they personally chose him to occupy the role, whereas Erik ten Hag was already at the helm when they arrived in February 2024. 

They relieved Ten Hag, who was sacked by Bayer Leverkusen this season after just two league games in charge, of his duties last October, with United 14th-placed in the table. 

When INEOS decided to call it quits with Ten Hag

The side had overseen only three wins from their opening nine matches and had drawn all three of their opening Europa League games. A 2-1 defeat away to West Ham United was deemed the final straw for Sir Jim Ratcliffe, and he subsequently pulled the plug on Ten Hag’s two-and-a-half-year spell. 

When scouring the market for his replacement, the hierarchy landed on Amorim, who, in May 2021, had led Sporting Lisbon to their first league title in 19 years. At the time he bid farewell to the Lions, he had not tasted defeat in 2024/2025.

You can see why INEOS perhaps viewed the coach as something of a safe bet, but they have since had their decision come back to bite them in the behind.

Saturday’s defeat to Brentford marked the 17th Premier League game that Amorim has lost, whilst he has also claimed only 34 points from 33 matches. 

Whitwell weighs in on under-pressure Amorim

(Photo by Justin Setterfield/Getty Images)

“If Ruben Amorim goes, does that bring the spotlight on Omar Berrada, on Jason Wilcox, on other people that were involved in getting to this point?” questioned Whitwell on the Talk of the Devils podcast.

“I think that’s why they would ultimately want to see it through and I think they do still feel like it could still work, but I think you’re getting to a point now where those questions are going to become louder and louder and ultimately results will dictate it.

“I think it’s fragile. I do think that [the hierarchy] want it to work because they know what the ramifications are, but I feel that you can’t ignore the results if they continue like this.”

INEOS will pursue coveted PL star in 2026 irrespective of whether Amorim stays, Keane thinks he’s ‘fantastic’

0

Manchester United remain admirers of Carlos Baleba and are already planning how they can test Brighton and Hove Albion’s resolve next year.

Back in the summer, the two clubs held talks over a potential deal for the midfielder after United established their interest.

What happened between Baleba and United over the summer?

Carlos Baleba in action for Brighton
Baleba signed for the Seagulls from Lille in 2023 in a £23.2m deal. (Photo by Mike Hewitt/Getty Images)

The Red Devils received assurances from Baleba that he was keen to make the move to Old Trafford if it became possible. However, he didn’t go as far as forcing a transfer, instead respecting Brighton’s decision to keep hold of him.

Brighton were reluctant to part ways with their highly-rated star just one season into his tenure, although reports did suggest that a bid in excess of £100 million would’ve twisted their arm into sanctioning his departure.

At that stage of the summer, United opted against taking their pursuit any further. INEOS were prioritising forward additions and, closer to deadline day, a new shot-stopper, so conceded that not all areas of the squad could be revamped in one transfer window.

Reds retain Baleba interest

As such, TeamTalk now claim United will return for the 21-year-old in 2026 irrespective of whether Ruben Amorim is still in charge.

INEOS believe their initial approach will have done enough to begin turning Baleba’s head, with his own manager Fabian Hurzeler claiming that the links with United in recent months have distracted him on the pitch since 2025/2026 got underway.

“For sure, when a young boy reads there is interest from Manchester United with a big, big offer, it might affect him deep, deep down. That’s also part of the development to understand that when you play well, there comes a big offer, there comes a big club that wants to have him,” said the Brighton boss earlier this month.

The Cameroonian international has previously been hailed as a ‘fantastic’ talent by none other than Roy Keane, who’s certainly one of the more hard-to-please pundits and club legends.

Man United Hammered For Failing To Secure “Obvious” Transfer That Would Have Fixed One Of Amorim’s Biggest Problems

0

BACK

David Tully Sep 30th 2025

TNT Sports pundit Peter Crouch has slammed Man United for their failure to sign a No.1 goalkeeper during the summer transfer window.

Senne Lammens was snapped up from Royal Antwerp on Deadline Day, but he has not made his debut for the Red Devils so far, and Crouch claims they would have been better off going after Aston Villa’s Emi Martinez:

“It feels to me that the situation with the goalkeeper just hasn’t been addressed. It feels like they’ve got three number twos now. It’s an issue that was obvious, Andre Onana wasn’t going to be the No. 1, we knew that at the start of the season but the situation still hasn’t been addressed.”

“I don’t know why when you’ve got Donnarumma or Martinez available, the situation wasn’t resolved.. With Martinez, it felt obvious for him to come in, he’s dominant and fits the stature and personnel that Manchester United need.”

Amorim clearly preferred Martinez over Lammens


It is believed that the recruitment department weighed up moves for both goalkeepers prior to the transfer deadline, with it ultimately being decided that the club should target the younger option.

Lammens was subsequently signed for an initial £18m, while Martinez (a World Cup winner) stayed at Villa Park.

Based on the fact that head coach Ruben Amorim has kept Altay Bayindir in goal since Lammens was purchased, it suggests he wasn’t fully behind the signing.

Goalkeeper has been a problem position for Man United

In hindsight, Director of Football Jason Wilcox should have been more proactive in seeking a new number one at the start of the summer. Amorim clearly didn’t rate Andre Onana, considering that he was allowed to leave on loan.

However, Wilcox seemingly didn’t get the message or simply disagreed with his head coach. All funds were devoted to signing forwards, with a tokenistic loan offer made for Martinez. Based on what’s happened since, it seems that it wasn’t the wisest of decisions.

Read more about the Manchester United First Team Squad for 2025/26 here

David Tully

David Tully

David has worked as a football reporter for the last fifteen years. Having started as an intern at Snack Media, he then went on to become a freelancer, working on various different sites. At the start of 2023, he took up his current role as content writer for National World’s Football News Network.

“Absolutely ridiculous” – Gary Neville blasts Amorim & Man United star in brutal rant

0
Gary Neville looking on

(Photo by Laurence Griffiths/Getty Images)

Former Manchester United captain Gary Neville shared a list of concerns he has over Ruben Amorim and his players in one big rant.

Just one week removed from a morale-boosting victory over Chelsea in the previous weekend, the Red Devils suffered yet another defeat on Saturday, falling short in their West London clash against Brentford on Saturday.

MUFC were soundly beaten by the Bees, who harried them on counter-attacks while displaying some fabulous finishing.

Gary Neville slams Man Utd after Brentford defeat

This defeat meant that United has thus far lost 50% of their Premier League fixtures this season, not to mention the humiliating Carabao Cup elimination at the hands of Grimsby Town.

Needless to say, Neville, who has already taken a swipe at Amorim several times in the past, was far from praiseful towards the Portuguese tactician.

The pundit voiced his concern, first and foremost, over the player’s apparent lack of belief in the playing system.

“The Brentford game was a really poor performance and a real worry,” said the United legend on his podcast via Sky Sports.

“I felt for the first time, just through instinct, watching it on the television, seeing players’ faces and body language, that there might be an element of players really doubting the system and what’s going on.”

Gary Neville talks while on punditry for Sky Sports.
(Photo by Catherine Ivill/Getty Images)

Neville was particularly irritated by Amorim’s decision to field Mason Mount, an attacking midfielder by trade, as a left wing-back at one stage during the match.

“There was something that happened in that game that I mentioned on my podcast two or three weeks ago that I said we couldn’t see again. I said that Mason Mount ended up at left wing-back.

“There’s sticking to your plan and then there’s your coach that’s got an idea and making sure that he delivers that idea and not flip flopping with his idea with players, which can sometimes undermine what you’re trying to achieve.”

Neville highlights ‘awful’ Amorim decision to shift Mason Mount to the left

Neville went on to describe the decision as awful, and even aimed a dig at Mount who has at times delivered underwhelming displays even in his original role.

“But then when you’re putting Mason Mount at left wing-back – and he’s ended up at left wing-back again at Brentford in the last five minutes to the game – it starts to look awful.

“You can’t put Mason Mount at left wing-back. I’m sorry, it just can’t happen. I can’t watch Mason Mount play left wing-back in a football team.

“I struggled at times to watch him in his natural position, but actually putting him out there on the left wing, is ridiculous. Absolutely ridiculous.”

Neville isn’t the only major pundit who has slammed Amorim’s decisions. For instance, fellow United legend Roy Keane had also roasted the 40-year-old tactician on a few occasions.

While INEOS are still backing Amorim to succeed, Carrington insiders described the manager as a ‘lonely’ and ‘broken’ man, leaving the fans to wonder whether he still has it in him to restore the club’s elite status, which was the plan from the get-go.