Amorim channels Ferguson in fierce keeper defence

3 tygodni temu

Ruben Amorim delivered a fierce three-and-a-half minute press conference defence of his goalkeeper selection after Manchester United's 1-0 defeat to Arsenal. When questioned about starting Altay Bayindir over veteran Tom Heaton, the manager responded with a single word "Why?" followed by an unwavering stare that silenced the room.

The Turkish goalkeeper's error from Declan Rice's corner led to Riccardo Calafiori's winning goal at Old Trafford. Amorim's defensive tactics mirrored those of Sir Alex Ferguson, who famously viewed journalists as "either with us, or against us" and treated media criticism with disdain.

Ferguson influence emerges

Amorim spoke to Ferguson just over a week ago at United's revamped training ground opening. Whether media handling tactics were discussed remains unclear, but the Portuguese manager's approach echoed Ferguson's legendary press conference style of circling the wagons when team selections were questioned.

Amorim has used this summer to create a tight bond with his squad, which influenced Sunday's unfolding events. The manager reasoned that dropping Bayindir after strong pre-season performances would contradict his group philosophy.

Technical breakdown exposed

Former England goalkeeper Joe Hart provided damning analysis on BBC Radio 5 Live, stating Bayindir "could have used one hand to get William Saliba out of his way as he went to punch the ball with the other." Daily Mail reports Hart revealed Bayindir used his left hand incorrectly and failed to create proper space from the Arsenal defender.

When confronted about Bayindir's similar error in December's EFL Cup tie against Tottenham, Amorim countered that Son Heung-min's goal would have been ruled out by VAR as a foul. He immediately referenced Bayindir's man-of-the-match performance in the FA Cup penalty shoot-out win over Arsenal a month later.

Selection justification

Andre Onana was available but had completed only three full training sessions after recovering from a hamstring injury sustained in July. Amorim concluded it would be wrong to axe Bayindir, who had performed well during United's unbeaten summer campaign across three countries.

United chose to refresh attacking positions with available finances this summer. When Gianluigi Donnarumma became available from Paris Saint-Germain, sources indicate United showed no interest despite the Italian's availability.

Transfer speculation grows

Only Daily Star reports that Inter Milan are considering bringing Onana back, with Christian Chivu interested in acquiring a new goalkeeper. This speculation emerges as United face continued scrutiny over their goalkeeper situation.

Amorim refused to confirm his goalkeeper selection for Sunday's match against Fulham at Craven Cottage. Most expect Onana to return to the starting eleven, despite the potential risks highlighted by the Arsenal controversy.

The manager will not speak to media again until Friday's pre-match press conference. History suggests such selection decisions carry significant risk for managers under scrutiny at Old Trafford.

Sources used: "PA Media", "BBC", "Daily Mail", "Daily Star" Note: This article has been edited with the help of Artificial Intelligence.

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