Andre Onana was notably absent from Manchester United’s lineup against Newcastle United, with Altay Bayindir stepping in for his Premier League debut. Roy Keane backed the decision, emphasizing the strategic rest for Onana ahead of a crucial European fixture.
Roy Keane said: “It has not been easy – the goalkeeper position is a huge one. This goalkeeper is getting an opportunity. He played against Spurs earlier in the season, made a mistake himself, but the manager has made it clear it is for one game and that is not a bad thing. If you are at Newcastle’s point of view, you are looking at this goalkeeper and thinking is he up to speed and can you get some shots at him early. He is a decent ‘keeper but I think it is good to give Onana a couple of days off, recharge the batteries again physically and mentally. I have no doubt in my mind that he [Onana] will play in midweek for them in Europe because that is a huge game for them.”
Keane’s comments came during Sky Sports’ Super Sunday broadcast, where he discussed the implications of Onana’s absence and Bayindir’s opportunity to prove himself. The former Manchester United captain highlighted the importance of rest and recovery for Onana, especially with a significant European match on the horizon.
Roy Keane continued: “Saying about [testing the goalkeeper] I think I could have been doing the drill he [Bayindir] has just been doing. He is not exactly being tested in that warm-up. I could do that myself.”
Keane’s remarks were made as footage of Bayindir’s pre-match warm-up was shown, suggesting that the real test for the goalkeeper would come during the match itself. Meanwhile, Les Ferdinand concurred with Keane’s assessment, reinforcing the notion that Onana’s temporary rest was a calculated move by manager Ruben Amorim.
This decision also brought back memories of previous managerial choices, such as when Marcus Rashford was benched following a disagreement with Amorim. Despite the temporary absence of Onana, Manchester United aimed to maintain their momentum in the Premier League while keeping an eye on their European ambitions.
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