Former Manchester United captain Roy Keane has launched a scathing assessment of stand-in goalkeeper Altay Bayindir following his costly error in Sunday’s 4-1 defeat to Newcastle United at St James’ Park.
Bayindir, making his first Premier League start since joining United from Fenerbahce for £4 million last summer, endured a torrid afternoon.
Drafted in to replace Andre Onana, who had struggled against Lyon in midweek, the Turkish international was culpable for Newcastle’s fourth goal after a disastrous clearance.
With United trailing 3-1, Bayindir attempted a short pass out of his box under pressure, only to see the ball intercepted by Joelinton.
The Brazilian teed up Bruno Guimaraes, who fired home to compound United’s misery.
Speaking post-match, Keane was blunt in his criticism, describing the decision-making as naïve and unacceptable at this level.
“This is big boy stuff,” Keane said. “You’re at Newcastle, they’re flying, and you need to do your homework. If you’re going long, go long. Don’t take risks there. That’s basic common sense.”
Keane acknowledged that goalkeepers often need several games to adjust, but insisted this kind of error reflects poor judgment, not rust.
Fellow pundit Les Ferdinand echoed the sentiment, criticising Bayindir’s choice to “be too clever” under pressure instead of playing safe.
“He tries to clip a dinky ball when you’re 3-1 down—what are you doing?” Ferdinand said.
The loss confirmed Manchester United’s worst-ever Premier League season.
