Manchester United are through to the fourth round of the FA Cup as an unlikely hero emerged at the Emirates Stadium.
Manchester United showed signs of progress against Liverpool last weekend and turned in another battling performance on Sunday afternoon.
This time, it was good enough for a spot in the fourth round of the FA Cup as United saw off Arsenal.
Bruno Fernandes rifled United in front before Diogo Dalot’s red card brought a rather familiar sinking feeling.
Gabriel Magalhaes may have found a leveller but United did not fold and dragged the game to penalties.
United scored five from five in the shootout with Altay Bayindir proving to be the hero with his save from Kai Havertz.
Bruno Fernandes on Altay Bayindir
Ruben Amorim named Bayindir in his starting XI well in advance, throwing his backing behind the Turkish stopper.
Bayindir endured a nightmare in his last cup outing, conceding four times at Tottenham Hotspur with some poor goalkeeping.
United fans may have been worried about Bayindir against Arsenal but he stepped up brilliantly.
Bayindir saved a spot kick from Martin Odegaard in normal time and produced a number of fine saves in open play.
United fans hailed Bayindir as he then denied Havertz in the shootout, with the 2023 signing from Fenerbahce becoming the hero.
United captain Bruno Fernandes has now hailed Bayindir whilst speaking to BBC Sport.
Bruno admitted that the United squad are ‘really happy’ for Bayindir as he celebrated a ‘big moment’.
Bruno added that Bayindir is ‘top class’ in training and keeps working hard despite a lack of opportunities in the starting XI.
“It’s a big moment for him, the first penalty and another save here and we are really happy for him,” said Bayindir.
“It’s tough to be second goalkeeper, he came here to play, whenever he gets his chance he’s top class for us, he’s top class in training, he’s always available for everyone and he truly deserves this moment,” he added.
- READ MORE: Six things learned as Manchester United win dramatic penalty shootout vs Arsenal in FA Cup
Altay Bayindir’s Manchester United future still unclear
Bayindir will be on cloud nine right now and has a moment that will live with him forever no matter what comes around the corner.
United signed Bayindir from Fenerbahce but we have barely seen the 26-year-old in action.
There were major doubts before Sunday’s game as that performance against Tottenham wasn’t easily forgotten.
Bayindir stepped up though and enjoyed his finest United moment as questions swirl over his future.
Reports have suggested that Bayindir wants to leave United in 2025 as he chases first-team action elsewhere.
Add in claims that Amorim wants to sign two goalkeepers and we would expect Bayindir to playing elsewhere come the start of next season – and he may have just picked up some new admirers after Sunday’s heroics.
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