Gary Neville rips into Altay Bayindir as error haunts Man Utd in Arsenal loss

Gary Neville was quick to criticise Altay Bayindir for his part in Riccardo Calafiori's goal during Manchester United's Premier League defeat to Arsenal on Sunday.

The Italian defender pounced from a corner following a feeble punch by the Red Devils' shot-stopper. The set-piece goal left Ruben Amorim's side trailing at Old Trafford despite an encouraging beginning, and they failed to make the most of their dominance in the second half as they fell to defeat.

Bayindir appealed for a foul after the incident due to contact from Gunners defender William Saliba. VAR chose not to draw referee Simon Hooper's attention to the incident. And Neville simply felt that Bayindir's efforts weren't robust enough to deny a goal.

"It's going to keep hurting United," said Neville from the commentary box. "The goalkeeper has got to be stronger. I think he will complain that he was fouled. He's got a player in front of him, there's a lot of pushing and shoving going on. I just think your goalkeeper has to be stronger.

"Get that player out of the way. It's Saliba. He's not got his arms up, I don't think he's done anything wrong at all. Bayandir if anything has his arm on him. He just parries it, it goes through his hands. It's definitely a goal. He's just not strong enough."

Clinton Morrison, while commentating on BBC Radio 5 Live, said: "Manchester United need to strengthen their goalkeeper. There are top goalkeepers around that are available and you're only as good as your goalkeeper."

Bayindir was handed the gloves as Andre Onana found himself omitted from Amorim's matchday squad at Old Trafford.

The former Inter Milan and Ajax goalkeeper had been sidelined throughout pre-season with injury but is now understood to be fully recovered.

Amorim explained that he simply wished to reward the players who had impressed during the summer preparations. United's manager left the door ajar for Onana's potential return in the coming week, however.

He said: "We try to choose the best players for each game, so next week is a different life. This week, we chose these players. No (he is not injured), he's recovered but the other guys did so well during pre-season, so I need to balance that."

Before kick-off, Onana was spotted in the tunnel alongside United striker Rasmus Hojlund. The Denmark international was also excluded from Amorim's squad amid speculation over a potential departure this summer following Benjamin Sesko's arrival.

The new forward began the match amongst the substitutes after completing his move to the club seven days earlier. Mason Mount, Matheus Cunha and Bryan Mbeumo were entrusted with spearheading United's attack.