Altay Bayindir sends passionate message after penalty heroics vs Arsenal, Joshua Zirkzee and Edwin van der Sar reply

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Altay Bayindir deserves to hog the headlines after his penalty heroics for Manchester United against Arsenal.

Manchester United’s defence of the FA Cup started with a dramatic penalty shootout win against Arsenal after drawing 1-1 after 120 minutes.

The Red Devils had to play a large portion of the match with 10 men after Diogo Dalot was sent off for a second yellow. Referee Andrew Madley then made another controversial decision when he awarded Arsenal a penalty for an alleged foul by Harry Maguire.

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Justice was served when Altay Bayindir stepped up to save Martin Odegaard’s effort. United’s No.2 continued to make several world-class saves before winning United the shootout by denying Declan Rice.

Bayindir was heavily criticised vs Spurs after he made two high-profile errors, but Ruben Amorim’s continued faith was repaid by the Turkey international.

Altay Bayindir sends message after Arsenal win

United fans raved about Bayindir for his superb display, and the Turkish shot-stopper has now sent a message to supporters celebrating the victory.

Via Instagram, Altay Bayindir posted: “A victory to remember! We never gave up until the end. We will keep fighting for this badge and achieving victories together, thanks to the passion of our fans.”

Teammates Alejandro Garnacho and Joshua Zirkzee were quick to reply to Bayindir with messages of praise.

Garnacho posted “What a hero”, while Zirkzee replied: “Good job big brother”.

Bayindir also received a reply from United legend Edwin van der Sar, who wrote “Well done my friend!”

What Ruben Amorim said about ‘hero’ Altay Bayindir

Despite Bayindir facing heavy criticism after his mistakes against Tottenham, Amorim confirmed Bayindir would start against Arsenal days before matchday.

His decision was wholly justified and the United boss was full of praise for Bayindir after the full-time whistle.

READ MORE: Six things learned as Manchester United win dramatic penalty shootout vs Arsenal in FA Cup

“It’s really important, not just for him but all the players,” Amorim said. “Your life as a footballer has cycles and moments. Sometimes in one week, your life can change.

“You can can see Altay. Against Tottenham, everybody was pointing the finger at him and I understand that. Today he was our hero also.”