Manchester United legend Lee Sharpe has demanded Rúben Amorim drop one of his “weak” players against Chelsea, but is immediately unsure about his replacement.
Manchester United return to Old Trafford on Saturday afternoon as they take on Enzo Maresca’s Chelsea in the Premier League.
It has been a disappointing start for United, who sit 14th with just four points from their first four matches. A dramatic late winner against Burnley brought some relief, but it still marks their worst opening to a season since 1992/93.
Rúben Amorim’s men come into the contest following a heavy 3-0 defeat to Manchester City. Despite making bright starts to both halves, United failed to threaten consistently in attack, leaving Benjamin Šeško isolated up front. As a result, the scrutiny on Amorim continues to intensify.
The fixture also sees Alejandro Garnacho return to Old Trafford for the first time since his £40 million move to Chelsea last month, after being frozen out of the squad by Amorim.
Weak Bayındır must be dropped vs Chelsea
So far this season, the goalkeeper conversation has been a hot topic, with André Onana heading on loan after two poor campaigns, but with Altay Bayındır stepping up in his absence, the Turk has not fared much better.
Former United winger and club legend Lee Sharpe, who played 259 times for the Reds, has stated he feels Bayındır is not the answer for United, as he’s too weak and should be relegated back to the position of a second-choice goalkeeper.
“I just don’t think Bayındır is the answer. He’s too weak at times, and they definitely need a stronger character in there,” Sharpe said.
“Bayındır, I don’t think he’s good enough to be Man United’s goalkeeper. I think he, again, has made mistakes already this season. The Arsenal game, I don’t think he was strong enough.”
“I don’t know what he’s like in training, but I don’t think he’d be a bad No. 2 goalkeeper.”
Sharpe unsure about Lammens’ debut
If Bayındır is not the club’s first-choice, the two other options are veteran Tom Heaton and new signing Senne Lammens.
The Belgian joined United in an initial £18 2 million transfer from Royal Antwerp on deadline day, but Sharpe has already admitted that he’s unsure if the 23-year-old
“I don’t know if Lammens will be good enough to play first team straightaway,” the 54-year-old continued.
Read More: “My expectation…” – What Manchester United players have said about Senne Lammens starting vs Chelsea
“I was a bit disappointed they didn’t get [Emilliano] Martinez from Villa as I think he would have been able to cope with the pressure and help the backline and bring something of a big personality and a big winner to the dressing room.”
“The new goalkeeper is a young lad. It’s a big weight on your shoulders to come in and be the No. 1 goalkeeper at Man United. We don’t know until he’s put in. Will they put him in against Chelsea and risk him?”
Lee Sharpe was speaking to AceOdds.
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