Manchester United goalkeeper Altay Bayindir has caused a stir on social media after video emerged showing him appearing to celebrate a goal scored by the opposing team.
The incident occurred during United`s 2-0 home defeat against West Ham United last weekend.
Goals from Tomas Soucek and Jarrod Bowen secured the win for West Ham, a result that saw Graham Potter`s side climb above the Red Devils into 15th position in the Premier League table.
A specific moment in the match caught the attention of viewers, when the United keeper seemed to react in a celebratory manner after West Ham`s second goal.
Bayindir, who was playing in place of the usual first-choice keeper Andre Onana, was captured in footage posted by West Ham`s official TikTok account showing Bowen`s goal.
After former United right-back Aaron Wan-Bissaka set up Bowen to score the second, Bayindir turned towards the stands behind him, clenched his fists, and roared, appearing to many as if he was celebrating.
West Ham`s social media post accompanying the video provocatively asked: “Did the goalkeeper celebrate?”
In the comments section, fans had a lot to say about the incident.
One commenter stated: “I noticed this last night watching highlights. Such an odd reaction.”
Another speculated: “Either he`s frustrated, or he bet on United to lose,” while someone else tweeted: “Makes me wonder, does [United manager] Amorim tell them to intentionally lose in the Premier league for the owners to buy him his players? Because why would he celebrate?”
United manager Amorim had made several changes to his squad after their Europa League semi-final victory against Athletic Bilbao mid-week.
However, the players who came into the side didn`t perform well, leading the Portuguese manager to make early substitutions in the second half.
Harry Maguire and Victor Lindelof were brought on in the 52nd minute, replacing Luke Shaw and Leny Yoro, with Yoro being substituted due to injury.
Amorim commented afterwards that he was uncertain about the French player`s condition and whether he would be fit for the Europa League final against Tottenham Hotspur.
Following Bowen`s goal, January signing Patrick Dorgu and Alejandro Garnacho were also introduced, but they were unable to inspire United to get back into the match.
The Red Devils` next match is away against Chelsea, who are chasing a Champions League spot, before they head to Bilbao the following week for the Europa League final. They will finish their league season at home against Aston Villa, another team currently in good form and aiming for a top-five finish.
