New Manchester United signing Altay Bayindir was called upon with Turkey at risk of humiliation against Japan.
Manchester United swooped to sign Altay Bayindir on transfer deadline day, with the goalkeeper brought in to provide cover for Andre Onana.
Bayindir is a Turkey international, while not first choice, he saw action last night for 45 minutes in a friendly with Japan.
While the game ended in defeat for Turkey, Bayindir did himself some credit with his contribution.
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Altay Bayindir features for Turkey
For some context, Turkey have been in woeful form at international level, drawing with 3-3 Luxembourg last year before being beaten 2-1 by the Faroe Islands.
In their previous match they drew 1-1 with Armenia, while yesteday’s opponents Japan demolished Germany 4-1 in Wolfsburg.
So the form book predicted this game as a one-sided context, and so it proved, with Japan racing into a 3-0 lead by the 36th minute.
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At half-time, then 3-1, Trabzonspor goalkeeper Ugurcan Cakir was hauled off, having made an error contributing to one of the goals, as one of five changes, with Manchester United new boy Altay Bayindir brought on.
The second half was more of an even contest, 1-1, with the game finishing 4-2 to Japan.
Bayindir was only beaten from the penalty spot after Ismail Yuksek committed a foul which warranted a booking.
This was only Bayindir’s sixth appearance for Turkey, and strange circumstances to make it in, with fans calling for the resignation of manager Stefan Kuntz.
It was at least a defeat where Bayindir could hold his head high, as part of an improved second half performance.
When Altay Bayindir could make Manchester United debut
It was a positive for Altay Bayindir to get some game time, as there could be an opportunity upcoming for him at Manchester United.
United host Crystal Palace in a Carabao Cup game in a fortnight’s time, which is expected to see some rotation, including goalkeeper. Erik ten Hag did this last season.
So it was good to see Bayindir getting minutes in a competitive match, regardless of result.