Manchester United started the new season with hope, but the 1-0 defeat against Arsenal has already raised questions. In the opening minutes, the team looked fast and energetic, but a mistake by Altay Bayindir changed the whole game. He failed to catch a simple corner properly, and Riccardo Calafiori headed in a header to give Arsenal the lead.
United then tried to equalise. Ruben Amorim brought new signing Benjamin Sesko into the field, and Bryan Mbeumo created two good chances, but one bicycle kick went wide, and the other header was saved by David Raya. In the end, the defeat was confirmed and United remained empty-handed.
Former Premier League striker Alan Shearer said after the match that Manchester United’s energy and organisation looked better than before, especially when Matheus Cunha and Bryan Mbeumo were on the field. He felt these players gave the team a new energy and a little uncertainty, which brought speed to the game. However, he also made it clear that the real concern was about goalkeeping. According to Shearer (h/t Manchester Evening News), if Amorim did not bring in a new goalkeeper before the summer transfer window closed, this could be the reason for United’s huge decline.
Fans also understand this concern because last season, trust in both Andre Onana and Bayindir was broken. Onana’s mistakes repeatedly changed the course of the match, while there was no stability despite bringing in Bayindir. Together, they conceded 58 goals in the Premier League, which is a shameful figure for any big club.
“I think for me the two standouts [Cunha and Mbeumo]. I mean Cunha was very good and Mbeumo was excellent. They brought a bit of unpredictability, they brought a bit of a spark and a bit of life to Manchester United.
“I do think that there was definitely more energy to the game, they certainly looked more organised, but you would feel more comfortable if they had a goalkeeper in there who you could rely on.
“I think if they don’t get that, then that could be their downfall. It remains to be seen if anything happens in the next couple of weeks. But in terms of general play, I thought it was a lot better from Manchester United.”
Now, Amorim also has the option of Tom Heaton, but it is difficult to consider him as the main option. Perhaps this is why the club’s eyes fell on names like Emiliano Martinez, Gianluigi Donnarumma and Senne Lammens in the summer. The question is which of these paths will be chosen and whether United will be able to make the right decision at the right time. Meanwhile, Manchester United are among the clubs that are interested in Nathan Collins.
Shearer’s words are true. United’s fate this season may depend on the goalkeeper, but to say that this is the only problem would be incomplete. Strength is also needed in midfield and defence; otherwise, Amorim’s efforts will remain incomplete. Still, the matter of the goalkeeper is the most important because if there is no trust at the back, then the efforts ahead will seem futile.
Now the question is whether United needs a big name or should rely on new talent. In our opinion, only experienced players like Emiliano Martinez or Donnarumma can give stability to the team at this time. Lammens may have a future, but United are not in a position to experiment at this time. However, then again, we don’t think that with the time left in this window, and we still have to sell our out-of-favour players, a move for these experienced players will be close to impossible.
As far as Cunha and Mbeumo are concerned, Amorim should focus on them. Their energy gives a different identity to the team, but to convert this energy into victory, first of all, the goalkeeper’s problem will have to be solved. If this does not happen, then the new season will become a repetition of the old disappointment. Meanwhile, AS Roma make contact with Manchester United for Tyrell Malacia.
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