Same old sh*t’: Man Utd fans make ONE demand after Arsenal score first goal

Manchester United’s Premier League opener against Arsenal at Old Trafford exploded into controversy just 13 minutes into the clash, as the visitors struck first through Riccardo Calafiori. The goal, which came directly from a set-piece, left United fans frustrated and furious, with much of the blame falling on stand-in goalkeeper Altay Bayindir.

The Turkish international, starting in place of Andre Onana who was surprisingly dropped to the bench, failed to command his area as the ball was floated in. Calafiori reacted quickest, taking advantage of the chaos in the box, and punished United’s poor organization. The Old Trafford crowd, which had been lively up until that point, fell into a stunned silence before frustration quickly set in.

Immediately after the goal, replays showed a tussle between Bayindir and William Saliba, with the Arsenal defender appearing to lean into the goalkeeper. United players appealed for a foul, but the referee waved play on, and a swift VAR check confirmed the goal would stand. The sense of injustice only added to the boiling frustration among home supporters.

On social media, fans erupted with criticism of Bayindir, claiming the goalkeeper should have been stronger in dealing with the situation. “Bayindir not it,” one user posted bluntly, while another fumed: “Same old sh*t. We’ve seen this before with De Gea — weak at set-pieces and costing us in big games.” The comparisons to United’s former No.1 were hard to ignore, with many arguing the club has not truly fixed its goalkeeping problems.

Bayindir’s lack of presence was particularly disappointing given the anticipation surrounding his rare start. Supporters had hoped he would seize the opportunity to prove himself as a reliable alternative to Onana. Instead, his indecision appeared to unnerve the defence, with fans claiming the backline lost confidence the moment the ball was swung into the area.

The timing of the goal made matters worse. United had actually started brightly, pressing Arsenal high and creating early openings. Amorim’s men looked energetic and purposeful, but Calafiori’s strike killed their momentum and shifted the balance of the contest. For a fanbase that has endured countless false dawns in recent years, this was yet another bitter reminder of familiar failings.

Calls for a new goalkeeper grew louder as the half wore on. With the transfer window still open, many supporters insisted United cannot afford to rely solely on Onana and Bayindir. “The pressure is already building,” one supporter wrote online. “If we don’t bring in a commanding goalkeeper now, this same issue will cost us throughout the season.”

Others pointed out that the defensive structure itself remains flawed. While Bayindir was the main target of criticism, questions were also raised about United’s marking at set-pieces. The failure to pick up Calafiori, coupled with the goalkeeper’s weakness, was described by one fan as “a perfect storm of poor defending.”

For Amorim, the decision to rotate in such a high-profile fixture will inevitably draw scrutiny. The Portuguese manager has already been under pressure to settle on a consistent starting XI, and his bold choice to drop Onana backfired almost instantly. Fans online questioned why the team was experimenting in such a crucial clash, particularly when Arsenal were expected to be aggressive from the first whistle.

What makes the situation even more worrying for United is the psychological toll. Every Arsenal attack after the opener brought visible nervousness from the defence and groans from the stands. The players looked hesitant, as though they lacked belief that Bayindir could bail them out if another dangerous moment arose. Confidence, both on and off the pitch, took a hit that may not be easily restored.

Yet, amidst the anger, some fans still tried to rally behind the team. They pointed out that United’s overall play looked much improved compared to last season, and that one mistake should not overshadow the progress made under Amorim. Still, the majority agreed on one thing — if United are serious about competing, they cannot continue with uncertainty in such a vital position.

The reality is simple: Manchester United cannot afford to repeat the same old mistakes. Whether it is Bayindir’s shortcomings, Onana’s inconsistencies, or defensive lapses in concentration, the club needs stability at the back if it hopes to mount a serious challenge this season. Otherwise, the haunting phrase that echoed across social media — “Same old sht”* — may once again become the defining soundtrack of their campaign