"A poor cocktail" – Gary Neville slams Manchester United star for his Euro 2024 howler
Manchester United legend Gary Neville has lambasted Red Devils and Turkey star Altay Bayindir for his mistake in Portugal's 3-0 UEFA Euro 2024 victory against his side.
Earlier this Saturday (June 22), Turkey failed to make it two wins in two Euro 2024 Group F games. They conceded the first goal in the 21st minute as Bernardo Silva scored with a powerful left-footed strike.
Seven minutes later, Bayindir got involved in a defensive mix-up. He rushed off his line prematurely as Turkey defender Samet Akaydin passed the ball back to him. However, the Manchester United shot-stopper failed to recover in time as the ball rolled into his net.
Portugal, who are managed by former Everton boss Roberto Martinez, sealed the win with a third goal in the 55th minute. Cristiano Ronaldo squared the ball to Red Devils captain Bruno Fernandes, who left Bayindir scrambling and found the back of the net with ease.
Speaking on ITV, Neville offered his thoughts on Akaydin's own goal and slammed Bayindir for his defensive error. He remarked (h/t MEN):
"The defender doesn't look where the goalkeeper is and I have to say, when a goalkeeper converges when there's not a lot of space between the ball and the defender, it very rarely ends well. It's a poor cocktail and I have to say, the goalkeeper really should stay where he is."
Bayindir, who was on the bench for Turkey's 3-1 win over Georgia this week, could fail to start his national side's next Euro 2024 game. The 26-year-old star could be replaced by Mert Gunok or Ugurcan Cakir.
The former Fenerbahce star, on the other hand, featured in just one match across competitions for Manchester United in the 2023-24 season. He conceded twice in a 4-2 win over Newport County in the FA Cup.
Fenerbahce target Manchester United stars
According to Turkish sports website SporX, newly appointed Fenerbahce manager Jose Mourinho is keen to sign two Manchester United players this summer. He has informed his sporting director Mario Branco to seal Casemiro and Victor Lindelof's signings in the future.
Lindelof, 29, fell down further down the pecking order at the Old Trafford outfit last campaign. He started 20 of his 28 appearances across all competitions for Erik ten Hag's side and is valued at around £8.5 million.
Casemiro, on the other hand, has emerged as a transfer target for a host of Saudi Pro League sides after failing to shine at Manchester United in his second season. The 32-year-old, who scored five goals in 32 matches last campaign, is reportedly valued at £30 million.