New Manchester United signing Altay Bayindir has been speaking about his move to Old Trafford.
The back-up goalkeeper spoke to Turkish outlet Fanatik about the move, and says he is happy, even though he has not yet made his debut.
Erik ten Hag explained that his priority was to get Andre Onana adjusted to English football, which was why he was selected in the Carabao Cup last week.
The smart money would be on Onana retaining his place tonight, however, there is a chance Altay Bayindir gets the call against Galatasaray, rivals of his former club Fenerbahce,
Bayindir on Manchester United move
Altay Bayindir has only been a spectator so far, an unused substitute, and he says that while he feels at home in Manchester, he admits the pace of the Premier League has required some adjustment.
He said: “When I first came, there were differences, but since I had followed it before, it felt like I had come to a place I knew.
“It was like a basketball match. It is a league that gives pleasure to the spectators. It is a little different in our country. Football is a game played very quickly here.”
Bayindir spoke very glowingly of manager Erik ten Hag and his attention to detail, insisting he is learning every day.
He said: “Erik ten Hag is very positive and knowledgeable. What determines football are the seemingly simple details. These are the things that the coach thinks about the most.”
“The moment I first heard about the offer from United, I felt very good. I am a person who always has goals. It is every football player’s dream to be here. It is very proud to be here as a Turkish player.
“Life is very good. I am really good. Everyone’s approach is very warm. The place where a player wants to be is where he is wanted. I am happy to be where I am wanted.”
Erik ten Hag backed Altay Bayindir
Erik ten Hag was asked about Altay Bayindir at his pre-match press conference, with Turkish media enquiring over his situation.
Ten Hag said: “We have to progress Altay, that’s clear, he’s made a very good impression in training and he’s really developing, so we’re really happy with it. We are convinced we have two bright goalkeepers.”
If the Premier League is a fast-paced environment which Bayindir is adjusting to, it might make more sense to give him a game in the Champions League, especially against a Turkish team. So keep it in mind that his debut could come tonight, or perhaps away at Galatasaray in November.
United will need him to be ready in January if Andre Onana joins Cameroon for the African Cup of Nations, and, such is the life of a back-up goalkeeper, that you have to be ready to be called on at any time.
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