Manchester United will want to soothe the wounds of Old Trafford when they welcome Rangers to resume their Europa League campaign.
The Europa League has been a safe haven for Ruben Amorim, who joined esteemed company after winning his first two games in Europe.
Amorim can establish himself alongside Sir Alex Ferguson and Sir Matt Busby with another win against Rangers but in current form, especially at Old Trafford, no win is a given.
The Man Utd manager has aimed to shock his players out of their stupor and a major shakeup in the first XI could be in the offing for the Rangers game.
Only this time, a shock for one game might settle the long-term future of that position.
Ruben Amorim’s unexpected Man Utd lineup headache
When Amorim walked through the doors at Old Trafford, he knew he was taking a gargantuan job and doing so with a team that wasn’t his.
A clear headache was expected over a number of positions, and it turned out to be true, like at left wing-back or for the two No. 10 positions behind the striker.
However, when it rains, it pours, and it has truly lashed down for Amorim in the first two months of his tenure, with many other problems emerging.
One problem that he wouldn’t have envisioned, but is quickly snowballing, is between the sticks, with Andre Onana having a horrific time of things.
Onana’s bizarre error vs Brighton added to an uncomfortably long list of errors he’s had this season which have contributed to putting United in this position.
To his credit, Onana has also saved United’s blushes in some games but in a team that is already brittle, not having a confident goalkeeper is worsening things.
In a 180-degree turn to the situation, the goalkeeping narrative could soon be decided.
Altay Bayindir’s best chance to become Utd No.1
Just about a month ago, Altay Bayindir was the big villain in United’s loss to Tottenham in the Carabao Cup and there was talk of Amorim not even rating him as a backup.
Fast forward to today, and Bayindir’s virtuoso display vs Arsenal has coincided with Onana dropping clangers in the Premier League.
Amorim has opted for Onana in both the Europa League games so far but if he wants to truly shock the players into believing that they need to step up or step aside, this is the perfect opportunity.
If Bayindir is recalled for this game against Rangers and performs well, then Amorim might not be left with any choice but to keep him between the sticks.
He has rewarded good performances with increased trust so far which is why this is Bayindir’s best chance to contend for Onana’s spot.
A single appearance here could settle the fate of the goalkeeping position for the foreseeable future.
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