Altay Bayindir started in Turkey’s convincing win over North Macedonia ahead of a big summer for international football.
Turkey began preparations for the 2026 World Cup on Wednesday night with a 4-0 victory against North Macedonia.
Manchester United goalkeeper Altay Bayindir was handed a rare start for Turkey.
Bayindir made just six appearances for United this past season before losing his place to Senne Lammens, but he is still valued highly in the Turkish national team.
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Altay Bayindir keeps clean sheet against North Macedonia
Bayindir has played second fiddle over the past three years at United.
The Turkish stopper was the second choice to Andre Onana, but he now finds himself behind Lammens in the pecking order.
Bayindir’s game time is only likely to change if he can secure a transfer away from Old Trafford, having signed for United from Fenerbahce in 2023 and making just 17 appearances since then.
In spite of his lack of game time, Bayindir was given a rare start by Turkey national team manager Vincenzo Montella on Wednesday night.
The United stopper didn’t play the entire match as Montella switched goalkeepers after 63 minutes.
Bayindir made just one save from a shot inside the area as Turkey made light work of North Macedonia.
The 28-year-old didn’t have much to do, but he did touch the ball 34 times and made five recoveries.
With an 88% pass success rate, Bayindir will hope he’s done enough to warrant extra international caps at the World Cup this summer.
A clean sheet for Turkey won’t harm Bayindir’s transfer valuation.
- ⚡️ NEWS IN BRIEF
- Altay Bayindir starts in Turkey’s 4-0 win over North Macedonia
- The Manchester United stopper kept a clean sheet but was substituted after 63 minutes
- Bayindir made one save from a shot inside the box
Senne Lammens has been voted SIGNING OF THE SEASON by fans on TalkingPoints – Send your message to the goalkeeper here…
Altay Bayindir had to wait for Turkey start
Prior to Bayindir’s start in the win over North Macedonia, Bayindir last played for Turkey on November 18, 2025.
Bayindir played the entire match in a 2-2 draw against Spain during the World Cup qualifiers.
He performed well on the night, making seven saves from the nine shots he faced.
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