Man Utd forced into January transfer window action as forgotten man demands move

Manchester United may have to sign a new goalkeeper in the January transfer window as Altay Bayindir becomes frustrated with his back-up role.

Bayindir joined United in the summer of 2023 on a transfer from Fenerbahce for £4.3 million, but has made just three appearances for the club so far. The 26-year-old goalkeeper is stuck behind Andre Onana in the pecking order and is considering his future at the club.

Unlike other clubs, United tend not to change their goalkeepers in other competitions and Onana has not suffered any injuries since Bayindir's arrival. The Turkey international made his United debut in the 4-2 victory over Newport County in the FA Cup in January before playing against Barnsley and Leicester in the Carabao Cup this season.

The Daily Mail claim he is considering leaving Old Trafford in January after previously being linked with Celtic. United do not want to lose their second-choice goalkeeper mid-season, with veteran Tom Heaton the only other backup to Onana.

Nevertheless, the club are reportedly keeping an eye on Sunderland's Anthony Patterson, who has also attracted interest from Tottenham. Keeping their second-choice keeper happy is not a new problem for United, having experienced it for years with Dean Henderson.

Henderson was loaned out to United five times before being sold to Crystal Palace for £15m plus £5m in add-ons in August 2023. The England international was hugely critical of his boyhood club, claiming their treatment of him was 'criminal'. after he finally went somewhere else.

If they keep Bayindir in January, United may be able to find a longer-term solution in the summer. According to reports from Germany, the club is interested in signing Napoli goalkeeper Alex Meret.

The 27-year-old is out of contract at the end of the season but could negotiate new terms with Antonio Conte's side thanks to his good form. He has kept seven clean sheets so far this season – one more than Onana – and has helped Napoli climb to the top of Serie A.

Ruben Amorim has been told that he will only have a modest transfer budget in 2025, now that the INEOS owners will tighten their belts after a huge fallout under Erik ten Hag. The club has posted a pre-tax loss of £312.9 million over the past three seasons and is under pressure to meet profit and sustainability regulations.

Around £180 million was spent in the summer transfer window to sign Leny Yoro, Matthijs de Ligt, Joshua Zirkzee, Noussair Mazraoui and Manuel Ugarte. Amorim has been told not to expect any money for the January transfer window.