Roy Keane, the ever-opinionated former Manchester United captain, has launched a scathing critique of his old club, labelling them as “weak and soft” during their fixture against Arsenal at Old Trafford. Despite a promising first half where Mason Mount, Bryan Mbeumo, and Matheus Cunha caused significant problems for the Gunners’ defence, United found themselves trailing 1-0 due to some lacklustre defending at a corner.
Amidst minimal pressure from William Saliba, United’s goalkeeper Altay Bayindir made a hash of Declan Rice’s cross, allowing Riccardo Calafiori to nod home from close range. Gary Neville, covering the match for Sky Sports, critiqued Bayindir for not asserting himself, stating, “The goalkeeper has to be stronger,” and noting that Saliba didn’t commit any undue obstruction.
Roy Keane went a step further, urging Bayindir to “come with violence” within his six-yard domain. “Arsenal deserve credit for their varied deliveries,” Keane acknowledged, “but the keeper needs to take charge. Get aggressive, take control—United are too weak and soft.”
Further analysis and debate continue around United’s squad choices, with Bayindir having started only sporadically last season, often sitting behind the criticised Andre Onana. With both Onana and forward Rasmus Hojlund absent from the squad, manager Amorim explained his selections as a strategic choice, stating, “We try to pick the best players for each game. This week, things are different.”
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