United’s Goalkeeper Gamble Under Fire as Transfer Clock Ticks
Man United face a goalkeeper crisis after Bayındır’s error vs Arsenal, while Højlund, Garnacho, and Sancho’s futures remain uncertain in the transfer window.
Shortest90
- August 19, 2025
Manchester United’s season is barely underway, but the pressure on new boss Rúben Amorim is already mounting. The spotlight fell firmly on the goalkeeping situation after Altay Bayındır’s costly error in the 1-0 defeat to Arsenal at Old Trafford, prompting club legends and pundits alike to urge United to act swiftly in the transfer market.
Keeper Crisis Looms
Bayındır, deputising in place of André Onana, looked shaky and “lost in the crowd” according to reporters in the stands. It was not the first time questions had been raised about his presence in the box. While the Turkish international is regarded as a strong shot-stopper, his lack of command in key moments is alarming.
Wayne Rooney has already joined the chorus calling for United to swoop for Gianluigi Donnarumma, who has fallen out of favour at PSG. With Emiliano Martínez’s future at Aston Villa also in doubt, United may yet have high-profile options — but time is running out with just two weeks left in the transfer window.
Højlund Future in Doubt
Meanwhile, questions continue to swirl around Rasmus Højlund’s role under Amorim. The Danish striker did not feature in preseason’s final matches nor in the Arsenal clash, fuelling speculation about his long-term future.
AC Milan and Napoli are both circling, with the latter urgently seeking attacking reinforcements after Romelu Lukaku was sidelined for three months with a thigh injury.
At 22, Højlund remains a talent admired across Europe, but his lack of inclusion in Amorim’s plans raises doubts. Some argue he should stay at Old Trafford to continue learning alongside elite teammates like Bruno Fernandes, while others believe a return to Serie A could reignite his career.
Sancho and Garnacho Exit Talk
Roma, meanwhile, remain intent on Jadon Sancho despite the winger’s reluctance to commit. The England international has no future under Amorim and is exploring alternatives, but the Italian side are refusing to give up.
Alejandro Garnacho looks even closer to the exit door. The winger has been frozen out since the Europa League final and has agreed personal terms with Chelsea. United and the Blues are still negotiating a fee, but the 21-year-old’s days at Old Trafford appear numbered.
Adding to his woes, Garnacho has been omitted from Lionel Scaloni’s latest Argentina squad for World Cup qualifiers against Venezuela and Ecuador — a stark fall for a player who was a regular in 2024.
Amorim Plays Down Rift
Amorim admitted during preseason that Garnacho is “a talented boy” but hinted the relationship had run its course. “Sometimes things don’t work out,” the manager said. “He wants a different thing, a different leadership. We try to make everything okay for the club, the coach, and the player.”
What’s Next?
With pressure mounting, United must now decide: stick with Bayındır and gamble, or invest in a marquee goalkeeper before the window shuts. At the same time, Sancho and Garnacho’s futures need resolution, while Højlund’s career crossroads loom large.
For United fans, the coming two weeks could shape not just the season — but the club’s trajectory under Amorim.
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