Manchester United manager Rúben Amorim confirmed on Friday that Altay Bayindir will retain his place in goal for Sunday’s derby against Manchester City, despite the recent arrival of Belgian goalkeeper Senne Lammens.
Bayindir, who has started all three of United’s Premier League matches this season, has faced criticism for mistakes in games against Arsenal and Burnley at Old Trafford. However, Amorim stressed the importance of stability in selection as the Turkish international adapts to English football.
“Altay is going to continue because it’s a different league, a different country, different trainings, different ball,” Amorim said. “We’ll try to maintain that consistency of selection, and they will fight for the position.”
Lammens, 23, joined United from Royal Antwerp on September 1 for a reported £18 million ($24 million). Amorim praised the signing as one for both the present and the future but ruled out throwing him straight into the high-pressure clash at the Etihad Stadium.
United’s goalkeeping situation has been unsettled since André Onana’s departure on loan to Trabzonspor after starting in the shock League Cup defeat to fourth-tier Grimsby.
Despite a sluggish start to the Premier League campaign with only four points from three games, Amorim believes his team has progressed since defeating City 2-1 at Old Trafford last December, shortly after his appointment.
“I think we are a better team. If you see any aspect, if you see the data, we are a different team,” he said. “We are ready to play the game, but we have to show it on Sunday.”
United will be without Matheus Cunha, Mason Mount and Diogo Dalot, all sidelined through injury, for the clash against the reigning champions.
Source: AFP
Written By Rodney Mbua
