Ruben Amorim admits, finally exposing the one United star behind his struggles at the club
Manchester United’s chaotic campaign has taken another dramatic twist after manager Rúben Amorim finally addressed the crisis surrounding his team. Instead of blaming his tactical approach, the board, or even captain Bruno Fernandes, Amorim pointed directly at one player — someone he once fought to keep at the club.
Under immense pressure and speculation about his future, Amorim admitted that his biggest regret was standing in the way of a transfer the board had already lined up last summer. He revealed that the player in question, Altay Bayındır, has been the main source of frustration, despite being the man Amorim personally convinced United to hold onto.
Bayındır, signed from Fenerbahçe with hopes of challenging André Onana, was supposed to strengthen the goalkeeping department. Instead, he has become embroiled in controversy. Reports suggest tensions in training, clashes with Amorim’s coaching methods, and even open criticism of the manager’s tactical decisions. For Amorim, this has felt like betrayal from the very player he went out of his way to defend.
Behind the scenes, United’s hierarchy had been ready to part ways with Bayındır after limited appearances and concerns over his long-term fit at Old Trafford. Amorim overruled that decision, insisting the Turkish goalkeeper had the qualities to thrive under his leadership. That gamble now appears to have backfired, leaving the Portuguese coach isolated.
For months, speculation around United’s problems focused heavily on Fernandes’ leadership and body language. But Amorim’s blunt admission shifts the spotlight. Sources close to the dressing room claim the manager feels most let down by Bayındır, the player he trusted and protected more than anyone else.
The fallout could reshape United’s immediate future. If Amorim remains in charge, Bayındır’s days at Old Trafford may be numbered. On the other hand, if the board sides with the goalkeeper, Amorim’s reign could end sooner than expected. Supporters are already split — some accusing Bayındır of undermining the club, while others see Amorim’s comments as nothing more than an excuse for his poor results.
The timing could hardly be worse, with INEOS reviewing the structure of the club and high-profile names such as Zinedine Zidane, Hansi Flick, and Xavi Hernández all linked as potential replacements.
One thing is certain: Amorim’s decision to break his silence has exposed the deep fractures within the United camp. The manager now claims his greatest obstacle is not tactics, not the captain, and not even the boardroom politics — but a player he once defended, and who is now being portrayed as the reason his job is hanging by a thread.
