Ruben Amorim, the Manchester United manager, found himself in a familiar position during a post-match press conference at Old Trafford. Just 55 seconds into the session, he was confronted with a question that made him flinch: why did he choose Altay Bayindir over veteran Tom Heaton for the Premier League clash against Arsenal?

Amorim's response was sharp and reminiscent of Sir Alex Ferguson's legendary media tactics. "Why?" he retorted, his stare unwavering. This exchange echoed the days when Ferguson would fiercely defend his decisions, often circling the wagons against what he perceived as external criticism.

Amorim's approach is not just about defending his choices; it's about fostering a tight-knit squad. This summer, he has worked diligently to build a cohesive unit, a strategy that became evident in how he handled the goalkeeper situation. Despite the transfer window nearing its close and rumors of Inter Milan eyeing a new goalkeeper, Amorim stood firm in his decision to stick with Bayindir.

The Turkish international had performed admirably during United's unbeaten summer campaign, featuring in three-and-a-half of the five games. Amorim believed that dropping Bayindir for the returning Andre Onana, who was recovering from a hamstring injury, would undermine the group's morale.

Amorim's post-match press conference was a masterclass in media management. He defended Bayindir with conviction, recalling the goalkeeper's standout performances in previous matches, including a man-of-the-match display in the FA Cup third round against Arsenal. "I remember the game. Altay was unbelievable," Amorim asserted, leaving no room for doubt.

As the Premier League season progresses, Amorim's decisions will continue to be scrutinized. However, his Ferguson-inspired tactics suggest that he is prepared to face the media storm head-on, defending his choices and maintaining the unity of his squad.