Manchester United ace ‘showed how good he is’ as international boss lauds star

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Manchester United goalkeeper Altay Bayindir ‘showed how good a goalkeeper he is’ during Turkey’s November fixtures as the former Fenerbahce man still awaits his first Premier League start.

The good news is that, if Andre Onana really is set to miss a number of weeks on African Cup of Nations duty in the New Year, Erik ten Hag will still be in safe hands.

Altay Bayindir, the £4.3 million summer signing from Fenerbahce, is yet to make his Manchester United debut.

But if his performances during a successful international break both for player and country are anything to go by, there is unlikely to be a substantial drop-off from United’s first-choice to their budding back-up.

Altay Bayindir waiting for Manchester United chance

Bayindir was a stand-out performer as Turkey defeated Euro 2024 hosts Germany in Berlin, combining Onana-esque distribution with a fine reflex save reminiscent of David de Gea.

The 25-year-old then stepped off the bench to replace the injured Ugurcan Cakir against Wales on Tuesday night and kept a clean sheet during his 60 minutes or so on the pitch, Turkey now one of 20 teams who have officially confirmed their qualification for next summer’s European Championships.

“Obviously, he is a very young goalkeeper. He showed himself how good a goalkeeper he is,” Turkey boss Vincenzo Montella tells Fanatik.

“He has significant experience for his age. Once he gains experience (at Manchester United), he will have the chance to play regularly.

“Then, he will show how valuable he is.”

Turkey qualify for Euro 2024

Bayindir has been turning heads for all the right reasons since arriving at Old Trafford, even if Ten Hag’s praise is yet to translate into first-team opportunities.

“People I talk to at Manchester United, they rave about Altay Bayindir,” Daily Mirror reporter David McDonnell tells the Stretford Paddock. “He’s desperate to prove himself.

“United tried to get him in last year. They’ve been monitoring him for a while. If Onana goes to the AFCON and Bayindir performs well, Erik ten Hag will be under pressure to keep him in the team.”