Arsenal started their 2025-26 campaign with a 1-0 win against Manchester United on Sunday at Old Trafford.
Riccardo Calafiori scored in the first half for the Gunners, and despite a strong push from United in the second half, the visitors managed to hold on to the lead.
"Micah, this is big boy stuff!"
Roy Keane and Micah Richards trade blows over Altay Bayındır's decision-making for Arsenal's goal… 😬 pic.twitter.com/6B0Cb5NpCH
— Sky Sports Premier League (@SkySportsPL) August 17, 2025
After the match, Micah Richards and Roy Keane were involved in a heated argument on Sky Sports.
Ruben Amorim made a big decision before the match by dropping big names such as Rasmus Hojlund and Andre Onana.
The Red Devils boss said after the game that he dropped Onana because he felt the other two goalkeepers showed better application in training.
Altay Bayindir started in place of Onana in goal, but he made a massive error that led to Arsenal’s opener.
Richards opined that Bayindir needed more protection from his teammates, but Keane held a different viewpoint.
He said: “Micah, this is big boy stuff.
“There’s going to be mismatches. If they’ve got a lot more players bigger than you’re lads, then you’re going to be outmatched somewhere.”
While the former Manchester City defender still tried to defend Bayindir, Keane added: “That’s the goalkeeper, you can’t babysit a goalkeeper.”
Richards finally came to the conclusion: “I agree with you that the goalkeeper should definitely do better. But I also believe he should be protected a lot more.”