Manchester United will likely give a debut to one of their summer signings in next week’s Carabao Cup fixture.
The Red Devils have been drawn against Premier League opposition for their first domestic cup clash of the 23/24 season. Erik ten Hag‘s side will face Crystal Palace at Old Trafford.
United will obviously want to succeed in this tournament. They are the current holders and will be looking to go through consecutive seasons with the red ribbons placed on the cup.
However, the cup is also an opportunity to give some fringe players a go, particularly in the early stages. One player that will most likely be making his debut is one of our summer signings.
Altay Bayindir set to make debut
The Carabao Cup could give an opportunity for summer signing Altay Bayndir to show Old Trafford what he’s got.
The Turkish keeper signed from Fenerbache for £4.3m and became Ten Hag’s fourth signing of the window. The purchase of the towering 6’5 shot-stopper was necessary following the departure of Dean Henderson – meaning a backup goalkeeper was acquired.
Bayindir is under no illusions he’ll be second string. However, he still has a vital role to play in cup competitions amid a hectic fixture schedule and will be needed if the first-choice stopper, Andre Onana, heads to the AFCON.
This is why we’ll likely see the first glimpse of the Turk next Tuesday.
READ: Who is Manchester United target Altay Bayindir? Age, Nationality, Position and more
Bayindir performance could put pressure on Ten Hag & Onana
If he performs, this could pose a problem for Erik ten Hag and Andre Onana.
The Cameroonian has not had the best of starts to life at United. Thus far, he’s conceded 14 goals – which is shocking considering only six games have been played.
He also made a horrific blunder against Bayern Munich, which has seen him come under more fire.
Onana was always going to be scrutinized, after all, being the United keeper is the ‘hardest job in football’ But the manner he came in makes the matter all the worse.
Ten Hag made a brutal decision to axe club legend David De Gea, spend £43m on Onana and try to revolutionize the keeper slot at Old Trafford.
So far it hasn’t worked so a good Bayindir performance could get fans questioning – was it the right decision?
The heat will be turned up for both Onana and his manager. The decision from there is whether to keep persisting or to give Bayindir a shot at the number one slot.
It’s still early days and Onana has shown glimpses of brilliance, but were sure this is something looming in the back of Ten Hag’s mind.
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