Rio Ferdinand names the Altay Bayindir weakness that is harming Manchester United after Fulham draw

Bayindir started a second Premier League game in a row on Sunday, with manager Ruben Amorim again opting for the Turkey international ahead of Andre Onana. After a difficult outing in the defeat to Arsenal, the 27-year-old was shaky again against Fulham, who earned a point when Emile Smith Rowe struck in the second half after Rodrigo Muniz's own goal, and the Red Devils look like they're trying to sign a new shot-stopper in Senne Lammens as they try to establish some solidity between the sticks.

Amorim has been non-committal when asked about his goalkeeping situation, with Onana's errors proving costly since his arrival from Inter Milan two years ago. Bayindir looks to have his manager's backing for now, but Ferdinand has revealed the area he needs to improve in if he is to be the long-term custodian at Old Trafford.

Ferdinand said on his YouTube channel: "We look shaky. The goalkeeper doesn't fill me with massive confidence. I've got to be honest with you, he made a great save in the game from Joshua King, when he came out with his feet, he did really well there.

"But from set pieces, even outside of the goal, he's coming for things that are 50-50 and he's not sure. The whole backline doesn't look good in that area, not just the goalkeeper to be honest with you.

"He [Bayandir] needs to liven up. I know that, definitely. I'll tell you what I'd do, I'd be getting him out on the pitch every day and smashing balls under the crossbar. 

"He's got to get used to it, he's got to get used to contact and work out a way. Make sure the referee is aware by the way that there's going to be contact. Shout, get him aware to look at you so if there's any contact, like in the Fulham game, that you get the free-kick.

"I don't think he talks enough, he doesn't make people aware of what's going on and then his decision-making in those moments hasn't been good enough. I don't think he's seen enough of that, Declan Rice whipping balls right under his nose. He's not on his own by the way in lacking a bit of confidence."

Belgian goalie Lammens was dropped from Royal Antwerp's squad for their most recent game and talks with United are thought to be progressing well. Should he arrive in the near future, it'll be fascinating to see which No.1 Amorim opts for during the remainder of the 2025-26 campaign.

After failing to qualify for European competition last season, United enter the Carabao Cup at the second round this week when they visit Grimsby Town on Wednesday night. A number of fringe squad members are expected to get opportunities at Blundell Park as the Red Devils aim to secure their first competitive win of the campaign.