Altay Bayindir delivered a passionate message after becoming Manchester United's unlikely hero, days after Ruben Amorim decided to look for his replacement.
Turkish goalkeeper Bayindir saved one penalty in regular time and another in the shootout as 10-man United held on against Arsenal to book their place in the fourth round of the FA Cup. The Red Devils took the lead through Bruno Fernandes before teammate Diogo Dalot was sent off and Arsenal quickly equalized through Gabriel.
The hosts were then awarded a controversial penalty which Martin Odegaard took. The Arsenal captain fired his effort towards the bottom right corner, but Bayindir's left arm was there to keep the ball out.
For the remaining 20 minutes of normal time and during extra time, Bayindir continued to frustrate Arsenal with a series of brilliant saves, a contrast to his shaky display in the first half. The 26-year-old denied Kai Havertz later in the penalty shootout to ensure United, who scored all their penalties, went through.
Bayindir's heroics came after it was reported earlier this month that boss Amorim wants to sign a new reserve goalkeeper in 2025. The Red Devils manager wants better competition for current number 1 Andre Onana, who was rested for the cup tie and is expected to return when United face Southampton on Thursday.
The Turkey international's flawless performance in the Carabao Cup against Tottenham appeared to confirm Amorim's decision, with reports claiming Bayindir was deemed surplus to requirements. Bayindir has played just four games in total since joining the Red Devils in August 2023.
However, his performance on Sunday could change things, as Bayindir posted on Instagram: “A victory to remember! We never gave up until the end. We will continue to fight for this badge and achieve victories together, thanks to the passion of our fans.”
Bayindir's message comes after his agent, Sefa Seyrek, confirmed he wants to stay at United. “Altay received offers from many European clubs last summer,” Seyrek told Sports Digitale. “There are currently clubs that are interested, but Altay wants to stay and play in Manchester. The club absolutely does not want to lose Altay.”
Amorim praised his performance, saying: “Altay had a difficult match against Tottenham but kept doing the same things in training, maybe without a smile, but he kept working and today he is our hero.”
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