Ruben Amorim’s decision to bench Andre Onana in Manchester United’s season opener against Arsenal came back to haunt him inside just 13 minutes at Old Trafford. With Altay Bayindir under considerable pressure from William Saliba, the Turkish goalkeeper mishandled Declan Rice’s corner, allowing Riccardo Calafiori to nod home from close range, handing the Gunners an early lead.
Bayindir, who had made a mere handful of Premier League appearances last season, replaced the persistently criticised Onana, neither of whom even made the matchday squad this time. Addressing the notable absences of both Rasmus Hojlund and Onana, Amorim told Sky Sports: “It’s an option. We try to choose the best players for each game. Next week is a different life and in this week we chose this way.” He further clarified regarding Onana, saying: “No, he’s not injured, he’s recovered… but the other players did well during pre-season, so I have to find a balance.”
While pondering if Onana, who isn’t particularly renowned for his prowess under high balls, would have fared any better, it was a bold choice by Amorim that unraveled spectacularly and unsettlingly early in the campaign. Bayindir faces speculation about an imminent exit, with Onana’s future at the club also murky following underwhelming performances last season. To address this apparent Achilles’ heel, United have been linked with moves for Aston Villa’s Emiliano Martinez and PSG’s Gianluigi Donnarumma.
In attack, £74 million forward Benjamin Sesko found himself starting from the bench. Amorim favoured Mason Mount and deployed fresh recruits Bryan Mbeumo and Matheus Cunha from the outset, while Hojlund remained sidelined and was reportedly informed his place in the squad is far from assured this season.
Laurie Whitwell of The Athletic tweeted: “Rasmus Hojlund set to be left out of #MUFC squad v Arsenal. Striker has been told he faces a challenge to get minutes this season under Ruben Amorim.”
In a twist, the prolific Fabrizio Romano reported that “it’s definitely over” for Hojlund at United, who is now expected to explore his future opportunities elsewhere.
In this unfolding drama, the Red Devils face critical questions regarding their squad composition and strategic decisions as they journey through this nascent Premier League season.
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