Ruben Amorim's six-word answer after Arsenal defeat is a huge worry for Manchester United

Ruben Amorim's six-word answer after Arsenal defeat is a huge worry for Manchester United

Man United didn't deserve to lose in their Premier League opener against Arsenal - and they wouldn't have lost if it wasn't for an Altay Bayindir error

Amorim defended Bayindir after the Arsenal defeat

"I'm happy with the three goalkeepers."

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For all the positivity around Manchester United right now and the progress made in the transfer market this summer, those six words from Ruben Amorim are enough to send shivers down the spines of United fans.

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United have addressed their blunt attack, they have good options in defence, they are looking to strengthen their midfield, and yet it will all count for nothing if they don't have a selection of dependable goalkeepers.

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Tom Heaton did no harm to his chances of adding to his three competitive appearances for United in pre-season. The veteran shot-stopper looked solid against Bournemouth in the US and was impressive in the second half of United's draw with Leeds in Stockholm. And yet, with Andre Onana absent, Altay Bayindir was the man between the sticks on the opening day against Arsenal.

Amorim bristled at the suggestion Heaton could have played ahead of Bayindir after his mistake in the defeat to Mikel Arteta's side.

The Turkey international flapped at an early corner, allowing Riccardo Calafiori to head home from close range. Not for the first time in his United career Bayindir failed to take command of his area and United were made to pay the price.

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The Manchester Evening News reported back in May that United were not prioritising the addition of a goalkeeper this summer, and addressing their midfield woes is more of a priority in the closing weeks of the transfer window.

Onana is set to return for the trip to Fulham on Sunday. The Cameroon international has endured two error-strewn seasons at Old Trafford, and yet with Amorim clearly set to stick with Bayindir as his second-choice goalkeeper, a lack of credible competition for a player who has failed to convince in his time at Old Trafford is a huge issue moving forward.

United can't be faulted for focusing their attention on an addition in midfield before deadline day on September 1. Manuel Ugarte has shown very few signs that he is ready to anchor the midfield alongside Bruno Fernandes, and 33-year-old Casemiro no longer has what it takes to dominate games, even with a reduced workload in the absence of European football.

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That being said, with just under a fortnight to go until the transfer window closes, there is still time for United to strengthen their goalkeeping department as well as their midfield.

If Amorim is happy with the options available to him, there seems little chance a new goalkeeper will be signed before September 1.

That should be a big worry for United.

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