Ruben Amorim could hand Altay Bayindir more chances. (Image: Getty)
has been warned that Altay Bayindir’s heroic performance in Manchester United’s triumph against would’ve turned ‘s head. Bayindir soared from zero to hero by conjuring up a series of crucial saves, including two penalties, to help United dump the Gunners out of the third round.
The 26-year-old had only previously made four appearances since joining from Fenerbahce in 2023, failing to convince as Onana’s backup with some nervy displays.
But he burst into life at the Emirates Stadium and, amid inconsistent performance from Amorim’s first-choice stopper, has sparked a conversation about his role going forward.
United legend Gary Pallister has hailed Bayindir’s resilient showing in north London and believes competition for places is healthy.
He suggests that the Turkish international will have left Onana on edge and given Amorim something new to consider as the season progresses.
“Well, he’s [Bayindir has] put in a performance that would probably make him [Amorim] think,” Pallister told Express Sport with Betano.
“You know, the two saves he’s made from penalties were fantastic. They weren’t bad penalties, really, per se.
“They put them right into the corner, and he’s got down and managed to tip them around the post. So, yeah, I mean, I think they loved to put him under pressure, , as they do most keepers.
Altay Bayindir may be threatening Andre Onana’s position. (Image: Getty)
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“I think it’s borderline with some of the stuff the players do to goalkeepers from corners and set pieces.
“But in terms of his saves yesterday, the two penalties, the one from Declan Rice, they’re all game changers. So yeah, I mean, that’s what you want as a manager.
“That’s what you want as a team. You want people to be putting pressure on other people for their positions.
“It keeps everybody on edge and everybody motivated. So, yeah, I mean, it’s good for the club that the lads come in and do really well.”
Despite Bayindir’s memorable outing against , Onana is widely expected to return to the starting lineup against Southampton on Thursday night.
However, the 28-year-old has been put on notice by his understudy, who will be chomping at the bit to return to action.
Bayindir will almost certainly be the man between the sticks when Ruud van Nistelrooy returns to Old Trafford with Leicester City in the FA Cup fourth round.
He could also be in with a real shot at more minutes as Rangers visit in the Europa League next week and when United complete their league phase campaign at FCSB.