Should Ruben Amorim Bench the Struggling Man Utd Star Against Man City?

In a surprising move, Ruben Amorim has reiterated his choice to start Altay Bayindir as Manchester United's goalkeeper for the upcoming Manchester derby, despite the Turkish international's shaky performance this season. Many pundits, including former Chelsea midfielder Craig Burley, have questioned this decision, citing Bayindir's struggles with aerial balls and set-pieces that could be exploited by Manchester City. As the derby approaches, the tactical implications of this choice may significantly influence the game's outcome.

Last updated: 20 October 2023 (BST)

Key Takeaways

• Altay Bayindir has faced criticism for his performances as Manchester United's starting goalkeeper.
• Ruben Amorim remains confident in Bayindir ahead of the Manchester derby.
• Craig Burley warns that Manchester City will target Bayindir’s weakness in aerial situations.
• Concerns exist regarding United's midfield strength against City's dominance.
• Amorim's tactical decisions could significantly affect the match outcome.

Altay Bayindir’s Performance Under Scrutiny

Altay Bayindir, who recently took over the starting goalkeeper position from Andre Onana, has faced a challenging start to his Manchester United career. His initial outings have been marred by uncharacteristic errors, raising questions about his readiness for high-pressure matches. In the Premier League opener against Arsenal, he made a crucial mistake that led to a goal, and similar concerns were raised during the match against Burnley.

As he prepares for the intense atmosphere of a Manchester derby, the spotlight is firmly on Bayindir. Despite his evident shortcomings, Amorim has expressed unwavering faith in his abilities, stating, “Altay is going to continue. I believe in Altay, he is ready to play.” This confidence from the manager is aimed at bolstering the goalkeeper's morale, but it also places immense pressure on Bayindir to perform.

Craig Burley’s Critique

Former Chelsea midfielder Craig Burley has voiced significant concerns regarding Bayindir's capabilities, particularly in dealing with set-pieces and aerial threats. In his analysis, Burley suggested that Manchester City will likely exploit these weaknesses during the derby. He stated, “With Bayindir, every set-piece I’m putting Haaland and every centre half on him and just swinging it under the crossbar for fun.”

Burley’s comments reflect a broader apprehension among pundits about how Bayindir will cope with the physicality and aerial prowess of City's attacking players, especially Erling Haaland. The former player even suggested employing long throws reminiscent of Rory Delap's style, indicating that City may adopt a strategy specifically designed to challenge Bayindir's aerial presence.

Midfield Dynamics: A Potential Weakness

Another critical aspect of the upcoming match revolves around Manchester United's midfield. Burley raised concerns about the pairing of Casemiro and Bruno Fernandes, fearing they could be overrun by City's more dynamic midfield. He stated, “I just don’t see how United are going to dominate the middle of the park.”

This lack of midfield control could have significant ramifications for United's ability to transition from defence to attack. Both Casemiro and Fernandes are technically sound players, but their effectiveness can be diminished when faced with an opposing midfield that excels in ball retention and distribution—qualities that City possess in abundance.

United's reliance on players like Bryan Mbeumo and their ability to exploit spaces behind City's defence is crucial. However, this strategy hinges on their capacity to maintain possession, something that has been problematic for them in recent matches.

What’s at Stake for Manchester United?

The Manchester derby holds immense significance, not only in terms of pride but also for the implications it holds for the Premier League standings. A victory for United would not only boost morale but could also be pivotal in their pursuit of a top-four finish. However, the challenges they face—especially with Bayindir in goal—could hinder their ambitions.

The decision to start Bayindir could serve as a litmus test for Amorim's management style. While backing a player who has struggled may signal confidence, it also raises questions about whether Amorim is willing to take calculated risks for the greater good of the team.

What Lies Ahead?

As the derby approaches, Manchester United finds itself at a crossroads. The performance of Altay Bayindir will undoubtedly be a focal point of analysis, and the outcome of the match could define the trajectory of United's season. Should Bayindir falter, scrutiny regarding Amorim's decision-making will likely intensify, and the club may need to reassess its goalkeeper situation moving forward.

In the realm of football, decisions made in the lead-up to pivotal matches can have far-reaching consequences. For Manchester United, this derby is not just about three points; it's about identity, resilience, and the ability to thrive under pressure.

FAQs

Who is Altay Bayindir?

Altay Bayindir is a Turkish professional footballer who plays as a goalkeeper. He joined Manchester United from Fenerbahçe and is currently the first-choice goalkeeper for the club.

Why is there concern over Bayindir’s goalkeeping?

Bayindir has made several errors in crucial matches, particularly in aerial situations, raising questions about his ability to perform under pressure, especially in high-stakes games like the Manchester derby.

What did Craig Burley say about Bayindir?

Craig Burley expressed significant concerns about Bayindir's ability to handle set-pieces and suggested that Manchester City will exploit these weaknesses during the derby.

How important is the Manchester derby for Manchester United?

The Manchester derby is crucial for Manchester United, not only for local pride but also for their position in the Premier League standings, impacting their chances of qualifying for European competitions.

What is Ruben Amorim's approach to team management?

Ruben Amorim is known for his strategic decision-making and ability to motivate players. His choice to back Bayindir despite recent performances highlights his confidence in his squad's capabilities.

As the Manchester derby looms, all eyes will be on Altay Bayindir and the strategies employed by Ruben Amorim. Will United rise to the occasion, or will their weaknesses be exposed by a formidable City side? #ManchesterDerby #AltayBayindir #PremierLeague