Manchester United’s turbulent season has taken yet another dramatic turn, with manager Rúben Amorim breaking his silence on the crisis engulfing his team.
Rather than blaming his tactics, the club’s hierarchy, or even skipper Bruno Fernandes — who has often been scrutinized this season — Amorim chose to point the finger at one player he once fought hard to protect.
Speaking under mounting pressure and with his position already under intense speculation, Amorim admitted that his biggest mistake at Old Trafford was preventing the sale of Altay Bayındır last summer.
The Turkish goalkeeper, who arrived from Fenerbahçe with expectations of competing with André Onana for the number one spot, has instead become a major source of frustration for the Portuguese boss.
According to Amorim, Bayındır has not only failed to make the expected impact but has also created rifts within the squad.
Reports from inside the club suggest the goalkeeper has clashed with Amorim’s coaching methods, expressed dissatisfaction with tactical approaches, and even voiced criticism toward the manager.
For Amorim, this has felt like a personal betrayal, especially since he was the one who convinced United to retain Bayındır when the board was already prepared to offload him.
Behind closed doors, United’s executives had long been skeptical about Bayındır’s long-term role at the club after his limited opportunities and questionable fit within the system.
Yet, Amorim vetoed their decision, believing the 26-year-old still had the qualities to succeed under his stewardship. Now, that decision looks like it has backfired, leaving Amorim increasingly isolated as pressure continues to mount on his leadership.
For months, Fernandes had carried the brunt of the blame, with pundits and fans questioning his leadership style and attitude on the pitch. But Amorim’s recent confession has shifted the spotlight firmly onto Bayındır. Sources close to the dressing room claim Amorim feels deeply betrayed, having stood by the goalkeeper when others at the club had already lost faith.
The fallout from these revelations could be decisive for United’s immediate future. If Amorim remains at the helm, Bayındır may well be forced out of Old Trafford in the next transfer window. However, if the board sides with the player, it could spell the end of Amorim’s reign much sooner than anticipated.
Supporters are already divided. Some argue Bayındır has undermined the club by clashing with the manager, while others believe Amorim is using him as a scapegoat for his underwhelming results.
The timing is especially critical as INEOS continues its internal review of the club’s structure, with names like Zinedine Zidane, Hansi Flick, and Xavi Hernández being floated as possible replacements.
What’s clear now is that Amorim’s revelation has laid bare the fractures within United’s camp. The manager insists his greatest challenge is not his system, his captain, or even boardroom politics — but a player he once defended, who now represents the symbol of his struggles and the uncertainty surrounding his future.
