Rio Ferdinand has urged Manchester United about the need to work closely with goalkeeper Altay Bayindir after his shaky start to the season.
The Turkish shot-stopper has been trusted as Ruben Amorim’s No.1 ahead of Andre Onana but has already come under scrutiny.
He was caught out in the opening-day defeat to Arsenal when Declan Rice’s corner was headed in by Riccardo Calafiori after Bayindir failed to deal with the delivery.
Despite criticism, he kept his place for the 1-1 stalemate with Fulham but again looked uncertain when defending crosses from open play and set-pieces. That vulnerability has sparked calls for urgent improvement.
Ferdinand believes United’s coaching staff must push him harder on the training ground to build his presence inside the box.
“He needs to liven up,” remarked the former Reds’ defender on his YouTube channel. “I know that, definitely.
“I’ll tell you what I’d do, I’d be getting him out on the pitch every day and smashing balls under the crossbar. He’s got to get used to it, he’s got to get used to contact and work out a way.
“Make out the referee is aware by the way that there’s going to be contact. Shout, get him aware to look at you so if there’s any contact, like in the Fulham game, that you get the free-kick.”
The ex-England international also questioned Bayindir’s communication with his defence.
“I don’t think he talks enough, he doesn’t make people aware of what’s going on and then his decision-making in those moments hasn’t been good enough,” Ferdinand added.
“I don’t think he’s seen enough of that, Declan Rice whipping balls right under his nose. He’s not on his own by the way in lacking a bit of confidence.”
Bayindir now faces mounting pressure to adapt quickly and prove himself as a reliable presence in United’s goal.
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