Ruben Amorim has already confirmed one starter against Arsenal – his last performance was a disaster

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Manchester United don’t play Arsenal until Sunday but already Ruben Amorim has confirmed one starter for the game.

The Red Devils begin the defence of the FA Cup trophy this weekend after lifting the cup in 2024 against Manchester City.

Manchester United have not been blessed with an easy third-round outing this year – after facing Wigan last season – drawing Arsenal away at the Emirates.

This takes Ruben Amorim back to the scene of his first loss as United head coach over a month ago.

In the build-up to the game, Amorim has been speaking with the press and in doing so revealed one player who is starting the game.

• READ MORE: Everything you need to know about Man Utd’s head coach – Ruben Amorim

Ruben Amorim confirms Altay Bayindir will start against Arsenal

Speaking to the press and club media on Friday, Amorim had team news as he discussed rotation and team selection for the FA Cup tie.

“I don’t rotate because I want to rotate,” said the boss as he explained his reasoning behind a lot of rotation through December.

“I’m trying to find the best solutions to win the game. I put the guys in who are more fresh to cope with the demands of the game.”

Amorim then admitted that the goalkeeper position is different – before confirming that Altay Bayindir would start the game.

“The goalkeeper position is different, so it’s a good question. Altay will play.”

The last time Bayindir played was a disaster

This decision from Amorim is fair on the basis that backup goalkeepers often play in the cup competitions.

However, seeing Bayindir start will have fans petrified and thinking back to the last time the Turkey international started a game.

December 19th. United headed to North London for the Carabao Cup quarter-final and Bayindir was an absolute disaster.

United saw Bayindir directly responsible for two Tottenham goals in the 4-3 defeat – with Bayindir even conceding directly from a corner.

So, considering Arsenal’s strength from corners and how they scored twice from corners last time the two sides met – this decision seems like a disaster waiting to happen with Bayindir often poor aerially.