Amorim rules out new goalkeeper after Bayindir’s costly gaffe but hints Hojlund is finished
Ruben Amorim has shut down talk of Manchester United signing a new goalkeeper, despite another costly mistake from Altay Bayindir handing Arsenal a precious opening-day victory at Old Trafford.
Bayindir’s latest blunder proved decisive in a 2-1 defeat, sparking questions about whether United should dip into the market for reinforcements. Yet Amorim was unequivocal afterwards: he trusts his current stoppers.
“No, no, no. I didn’t drop Onana from the squad,” he insisted when asked about the absence of André Onana, who has only just returned to training after injury. “It’s not putting André Onana in just one week without seeing the game, without time, with only training.”
The head coach stressed he is satisfied with his three available goalkeepers, including 39-year-old veteran Tom Heaton, who was named on the bench. “We proved today that we can win any game in the Premier League, especially against a great team like Arsenal, and we were the better team,” Amorim added defiantly.
Despite his public show of faith, United had explored options earlier in the summer, sounding out Aston Villa’s Emiliano Martínez and Paris Saint-Germain’s Gianluigi Donnarumma. However, transfer funds have been channelled instead into bolstering United’s forward line.
Donnarumma, meanwhile, appears headed elsewhere. The Italian international is in discussions over a move to Manchester City, should Ederson depart. PSG have told the 26-year-old he can leave following the arrival of Lucas Chevalier as their new No. 1, leaving City with a clear path.
For United, the bigger story off the pitch now revolves around striker Rasmus Hojlund. Omitted from the match-day squad against Arsenal, the 22-year-old Dane faces an uncertain future just two years after his £72 million arrival from Atalanta.
Amorim was frank about Hojlund’s prospects, pointing to a direct overlap with new signing Benjamin Sesko. “We’ll see what is going to happen on the market,” he said. “Rasmus has the same characteristics as Sesko, so we have to choose.”
United value Hojlund at around £40m, though they are prepared to entertain a loan with an option — ideally an obligation — to buy. AC Milan have emerged as the leading contender for his signature. Hojlund himself would prefer to stay at Old Trafford, but has accepted that Amorim’s preference for Joshua Zirkzee leaves him surplus to requirements.
The decision to sacrifice Hojlund is being driven by Amorim, who has wasted no time reshaping United’s attack. Sesko has already been integrated as a long-term spearhead, while Zirkzee offers versatility. The head coach is determined to streamline his options, even if it means moving on from a striker signed in a record deal only two summers ago.
The optics are striking: Amorim standing firm behind Bayindir after a glaring error, while simultaneously pushing a £72m striker towards the exit. Supporters may be puzzled at the priorities, but Amorim appears committed to his strategy of faith in goal and ruthlessness up front.
For Bayindir, redemption will have to come quickly. With Onana easing his way back to fitness, the Turkish goalkeeper remains in the spotlight, his every touch scrutinised. Another slip could see patience evaporate, regardless of Amorim’s public defence.
For Hojlund, time looks to be up. Whether it is Milan or another suitor, the young forward may find himself starting over once more — a cautionary tale of Old Trafford’s revolving door.