"This Is Big Boy Stuff" – Roy Keane Slams Altay Bayindir for Costly Mistake in Manchester United’s Heavy Defeat to Newcastle
Roy Keane says Bayindir’s poor decision-making shows he’s not ready for Premier League football, as the goalkeeper’s error helped Newcastle punish Manchester United in a 4-1 defeat.
Manchester United’s nightmare continued at St James’ Park, and this time, it was new goalkeeper Altay Bayindir who came under fire after a costly mistake in the 4-1 loss to Newcastle United.
Bayindir, who joined United from Fenerbahce last summer for £4 million, was handed his first Premier League start by manager Ruben Amorim. He was brought in to replace Andre Onana after the Cameroonian’s poor performance against Lyon. But things didn’t go as planned for the Turkish shot-stopper.
The 26-year-old conceded three goals in the first 64 minutes, and his day got even worse when he made a major error in the 77th minute. Bayindir attempted a short pass out of the box, which was quickly intercepted by Newcastle’s Joelinton. The ball fell perfectly for Bruno Guimaraes, who scored easily and added a fourth goal for the home side.
After the match, Manchester United legend Roy Keane didn’t hold back in his criticism. He said Bayindir’s decision-making was poor and not good enough for the Premier League.
“Of course he was at fault,” Keane said during the post-match analysis. “It’s all about decision-making at this level. That pass was just too risky with players all around. If you’re under pressure, you clear the ball – simple as that.”
Keane admitted that new goalkeepers usually need a few games to settle in, but he felt this mistake had nothing to do with nerves and everything to do with common sense.
“This is big boy stuff,” Keane continued. “You’re at Newcastle, a top team who press high. If you’re going to kick long, at least kick it far. Don’t hand the ball to your opponent right in front of your goal.”
Former striker Les Ferdinand also weighed in, saying Bayindir was trying too hard to be clever instead of making the safe choice.
“Goalkeepers these days want to play like midfielders,” Ferdinand said. “At 3-1 down, you don’t take risks. Just clear the ball. But he tried a soft little pass instead. I was just thinking, ‘What are you doing?’”
With pressure building and questions growing over United’s goalkeeping options, Bayindir’s costly mistake could affect whether he gets more chances in the starting lineup. One thing is clear — in the Premier League, even one wrong decision can be punished hard.
