Amorim Faces Goalkeeper Conundrum After Bayindir Falters in Newcastle Defeat Manchester United manager Ruben Amorim faces a critical goalkeeping decision ahead of Thursday’s pivotal Europa League quarter-final second leg against Lyon, after stand-in keeper Altay Bayindir endured a torrid Premier League debut in a 4-1 defeat at Newcastle. With first-choice goalkeeper André Onana left out of the squad entirely — a move viewed by many as a bold statement amid his recent error-strewn performances — Amorim’s gamble to hand Bayindir the gloves backfired in dramatic fashion. The 26-year-old Turkish international, who joined from Fenerbahce last summer for £4.3 million, conceded four goals from six shots on target and looked nervy throughout. His performance was marred by poor distribution and uncertainty under pressure, with a crucial mistake leading directly to Newcastle’s fourth goal. Bayindir misplaced a lofted pass straight into the feet of Joelinton, who set up Bruno Guimarães to seal the rout. Amorim, visibly frustrated, admitted United’s display at St. James’ Park was riddled with errors but refused to single out any individuals. "We made too many mistakes that made it harder to win," he said. "It’s difficult to point to one specific area — it's a bit of everything. We now have to focus on the next game." The loss not only dents United’s domestic confidence but also complicates Amorim’s selection for what could be a season-defining European night. Onana, whose form has drawn increasing scrutiny following a string of high-profile blunders — including two in the 2-2 draw in Lyon last week — has made eight errors leading directly to goals since the start of last season, the most of any Premier League goalkeeper in that period. Former United captain Roy Keane suggested before kickoff that Amorim had run out of patience with the Cameroonian, while ex-England international Paul Robinson backed the decision to bench him. “There comes a time when the pressure becomes too much,” Robinson said. “Sometimes you need to protect the player from himself — give him a break, put an arm around his shoulder and tell him he's still number one, but not right now.” However, Bayindir’s underwhelming display now leaves Amorim in a bind. The manager hinted that the Newcastle decision was only for one game but offered no clarity on who will start against Lyon. "You’ll have to wait," Amorim said post-match. "We will start the new week and pick the best XI to win that game." Still, Robinson believes Onana is unlikely to return so quickly: “You don’t pull a goalkeeper out, only to throw him straight back in days later and expect a top-level performance. I don’t think we’ll see him play on Thursday.” For Amorim, the decision could define his debut season at Old Trafford. A place in the Europa League semi-finals — and with it a vital route back into the Champions League — is on the line. Whether he trusts the experienced but error-prone Onana or risks a second start for the unsettled Bayindir remains to be seen. What’s certain is that United cannot afford another goalkeeping slip-up.