Introduction:
Manchester United secured a nail-biting victory over the weekend, with Scott McTominay’s late double rescuing a largely underwhelming performance against Brentford. While familiar scapegoats like Marcus Rashford and Harry Maguire often bear the brunt of criticism, some new arrivals are also coming under scrutiny at Old Trafford.
Defensive Issues:
Lisandro Martinez, a recent addition from Ajax alongside head coach Erik ten Hag, has not been immune to criticism. After a humbling 3-1 defeat to Brighton, Gabriel Agbonlahor took a swipe at Martinez’s performance, pointing out a particular error leading to a goal.
Young talent Rasmus Højlund, who arrived with high expectations and a £64 million price tag, has also felt the weight of scrutiny due to a lack of goals in the Premier League. However, his impressive Champions League performances indicate his immense potential.
Goalkeeping Conundrum:
The primary concern for Manchester United lies between the goalposts. The acquisition of Andre Onana was expected to fill the void left by David De Gea’s departure. Yet, Onana’s transition to English football has been anything but smooth, conceding 19 goals in 11 games and making costly errors that have proven detrimental.
Journalist Muhammed Butt aptly labeled Onana a “comedic liability” due to his inconsistent performances. With seven of these goals conceded in the Champions League, the need for a reliable goalkeeper is increasingly pressing.
Altay Bayındır’s Potential:
Altay Bayındır, another summer signing for Manchester United, is yet to make an appearance in any competition. The 25-year-old goalkeeper, who earned recognition with Fenerbahce in Turkey and secured a national team call-up, could be the answer to the defensive woes plaguing the team.
Conclusion:
Manchester United’s defensive vulnerabilities, combined with Andre Onana’s struggles, may necessitate a change in goal. Altay Bayındır, with his impressive background and potential, could offer a solution to shore up the defense. It remains to be seen whether Erik ten Hag will give him the opportunity to prove himself in the challenging world of English football.