Utd were ‘confirmed’ to be looking for star’s replacement – his ‘superb’ showing at Emirates may force U-turn

Stretty News

·13 January 2025

Utd were ‘confirmed’ to be looking for star’s replacement – his ‘superb’ showing at Emirates may force U-turn

Only 11 days ago were Manchester United ‘confirmed’ to be scouring the market for a new second-choice goalkeeper. Now, they may be considering a U-turn.

That’s because current second-in-command, Altay Bayindir, oversaw his finest display in a United shirt when helping the side advance to the fourth round of the FA Cup last night.

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Restored to the starting XI after last month’s Carabao Cup debacle against Tottenham Hotspur, during which he conceded four goals (including one directly from a corner), the Turkish international took to the Emirates with a point to prove, and that he did.

With the exception of a handful of questionable goal-kicks and a shaky first half, Bayindir stepped up to the mark – and then some – after the interval.

Bayindir’s top-drawer comeback: How it unfolded

Altay Bayindir celebrates with the United fans after saving Kai Havertz’s penalty. (Photo by Julian Finney/Getty Images)

After Bruno Fernandes’ well-taken opener was quickly counteracted by Gabriel Magalhaes’ equaliser, Arsenal had the chance to take the lead against 10-men United when Andy Madley ludicrously awarded the hosts a penalty following a non-foul by Harry Maguire.

Nonetheless, with no VAR to intervene, Martin Odegaard stepped up to take what could’ve been a game-winning strike before subsequently seeing his effort parried away by Bayindir.

The shot-stopper proceeded to keep United in the tie, making six saves in total throughout the 120-minute affair. In the penalty shootout, he again delivered by denying Kai Havertz, allowing the Reds to reign victorious when scoring all five of their spot-kicks.

Alan Shearer, who was on co-commentary with Guy Mowbray during the BBC’s coverage, chose Bayindir as his Man of the Match, saying (via the Metro): “He holds his nerve, he doesn’t blink first.

“It was a three-way tie between him and De Ligt and Maguire, who I thought were also superb, but just because of his penalty save, I thought I would give it to him (the Man of the Match award). When you get given an opportunity, you have to take it, and he took it today.”

Wherever the 26-year-old’s future lies beyond this window remains to be seen, as he has certainly proven he’s capable of being a No.1 elsewhere. Amorim may, however, push to keep Bayindir in his ranks, especially if it looks as though he’ll be granted more action if United go on to retain their FA Cup trophy later this year.

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Utd were ‘confirmed’ to be looking for star’s replacement – his ‘superb’ showing at Emirates may force U-turn | OneFootball