Manchester United faces another major headache between the posts following their 1-0 defeat to Arsenal at Old Trafford. A costly mistake from Altay Bayindir has reignited debate over who should be the starting goalkeeper for the Red Devils, with André Onana now available after injury and speculation growing about a potential comeback for club legend David De Gea.

Altay Bayindir Under Fire Against Arsenal

The Turkish goalkeeper came under heavy criticism after his blunder led to Riccardo Calafiori’s decisive goal. In what appeared to be a routine corner, Bayindir attempted to clear with his left glove instead of his right, allowing the ball to slip through in the six-yard box. The error echoed a similar mistake he made against Tottenham in the Carabao Cup last December.

Despite the criticism, head coach Ruben Amorim defended his shot-stopper, while admitting his decision to start Bayindir over Onana was based on “maintaining balance” after preseason.

Why Didn’t André Onana Play?

The Cameroonian keeper is fully recovered from the injury that kept him out of preseason but remained on the bench against Arsenal. Amorim explained: “This week we chose these players, next week it will be different.” Pressure, however, is mounting, and all signs point to Onana reclaiming the starting spot in the next league fixture against Fulham.

Could David De Gea Really Return?

The name of David De Gea is once again circulating strongly around Old Trafford. Currently at Fiorentina, the Spanish goalkeeper reportedly has a low release clause that could ease his return. During his first spell with Manchester United (2011–2023), De Gea made over 500 appearances, lifted the Premier League, Europa League, and FA Cup, and was named United’s Player of the Year on four occasions.

With the goalkeeping situation in doubt, Manchester United must soon decide: continue trusting Bayindir, restore Onana as the No. 1, or make a bold move to bring back De Gea — the man who became a club legend at Old Trafford.