Rio Ferdinand has suggested some potential advice for a struggling Manchester United star, as the squad prepare for a trip to Grimsby in the EFL Cup.
Manchester United have registered just one point in their opening two Premier League matches, despite taking 35 shots across the two fixtures, with 22 of those coming against Mikel Arteta’s Arsenal side.
Rúben Amorim now has to prepare the squad for a must-win match in the Carabao Cup against League Two Grimsby Town. With no European football, United must do well in the domestic competitions.
The United manager may use the game on Wednesday night to play those who haven’t yet started this season, including Kobbie Mainoo and Benjamin Šeško. Mainoo is yet to play one minute, despite his clear ability.
Alternatively, Amorim could also use the Grimsby tie to play some players who are struggling for form and need a good performance. This could include Amad and Bryan Mbeumo, as they need gametime to understand how each other play.
Ferdinand offers advice to struggling Bayındır
Against Fulham, Altay Bayındır was again chosen ahead of Andre Onana despite his error against Arsenal on the opening day of the season. United have been heavily linked to Senne Lammens, but neither Bayındır nor Onana appears close to a transfer away from Old Trafford.
Speaking on his YouTube Channel, Rio Ferdinand has offered advice to the struggling Bayindir, who again showed his troubles from set-pieces against Fulham.
“We look shaky. The goalkeeper [Bayındır] doesn’t fill me with massive confidence,” said Ferdinand. 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 [Bayındır] 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.”
Ferdinand went on to say: “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.”
Goalkeeper choice against Grimbsy will be telling
Amorim has several dilemmas for his team selection against Grimsby Town, but his choice of shotstopper will be the most interesting: Bayındır or Onana, that is the question.
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If Amorim chooses to start Bayindir for the fourth competitive game in a row – as he also started in the final Premier League match of last season – Onana’s United career will be all but over, especially with Lammens looking likely to join this summer.
However, if Onana starts against Grimbsy, it again raises the question of who is the first choice and who will start for United if Lammens does join, as he is only expected to compete for the starting spot, rather than being a guaranteed starter.
The only other option would be to play Tom Heaton in goal, as he is the only shotstopper who will definitely remain at Old Trafford this season after signing a new contract at the beginning of the summer.
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