Bayindir blunder undoes positive display by United

Keeper error the difference as Amorim’s side kick off with narrow defeat

- By SIMON PEACH

ALTAY BAYINDIR'S blunder handed Arsenal victory and undid a positive Manchester United performance in a pulsating Premier League encounter.

Old Trafford rocked as Mikel Arteta’s runners-up headed to the rebuilding Red Devils in the most eye-catching fixture of the opening weekend.

United looked far better than the side that finished 15th last season - their worst topflight campaign since 1974 - yet Ruben Amorim’s side fell to a 1-0 defeat as Riccardo Calafiori capitalised on Bayindir's early flap.

The backup goalkeeper was outmuscled by William Saliba as he attempted to deal with a Declan Rice corner, tipping it on for the defender to nod into an empty net and silence Old Trafford after a bright start.

Bayindir’s error underlined concerns over the goalkeeping position at Old Trafford, where often unconvincing number one Andre Onana was absent as he works his way back from a hamstring injury.

United are a work in progress but summer signings Matheus Cunha and Bryan Mbeumo looked sharp on their debuts, with Patrick Dorgu hitting a post with a lasered first-half effort.