Man United star stepped up against Arsenal, but he’s still not the answer for Ruben Amorim

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Manchester United knocked Arsenal out of the FA Cup at the Third Round stage despite playing a large portion of the match with just 10 men.

Leading Arsenal following a goal from Bruno Fernandes, United’s first team were then put under huge pressure after Diogo Dalot was sent off for a poor tackle on Gabriel Martinelli.

Resolute in defence though, Ruben Amorim’s men sent the game to extra-time and then won on penalties thanks to Joshua Zirkzee’s game-winning spot-kick.

And although Zirkzee’s last-gasp heroics made headlines, fans mustn’t forget the influence another player had on the tie.

Altay Bayindir was immense against Arsenal

Struggling to rival Andre Onana’s for the number one jersey, Turkey’s Altay Bayindir has been forced to wait on his chances.

The back-up keeper was offered a rare chance to impress against Arsenal though. Bayindir was named in Amorim’s starting lineup for Sunday’s tie and tasked with keeping the Gunners at bay — something he successfully managed.

Not only did Bayindir save Martin Odegaard’s 70th-minute penalty — an opportunity, which, had the Arsenal captain taken, would’ve surely sent United crashing out — but he also produced a fine stop to deny Declan Rice just minutes later.

Take a moment to remind yourself just how excellent the United keeper was during last weekend’s Third Round FA Cup tie.

However, although there is no denying the former Fenerbahce star’s fine performance, irrespective of the knee-jerk post-match praise, fans must remember who the United first-team’s rightful number one is.

Andre Onana still Man United’s best goalkeeper

Andre Onana has been the Red Devils’ first-choice goalkeeper since he arrived from Inter Milan 18 months ago.

The Cameroon international’s start at Old Trafford was rocky but he has since settled in and now seems a lot more assured in between the sticks.

Although the 28-year-old was one of Erik Ten Hag’s signings, he remains well-utilised by Amorim, and although Bayindir’s recent FA Cup performance has saved his United career, it’s fair to expect Onana to retain the starting spot.

Onana vs. Bayindir Stats 2024-25

Even though some of Bayindir’s stats look impressive against Onana, including his average number of saves per game, it’s important to remember he has started 16 fewer matches.

Not yet fully up to speed with the notoriously fast-paced and physical English football, Bayindir’s ability to command his area is no where near the level of Onana’s.

The Turkish keeper was bullied in the lead up to Gabriel’s equaliser last weekend and his clearance suffered as a result. Bayindir’s failure to properly clear his lines allowed the Arsenal centre-back chance to get a shot off, something I am sure the flamboyant, and sometimes, over-the-top Onana, would not have done.

So while Bayindir’s FA Cup performance is being praised, and rightfully so, fans should not expect Amorim to do what Ole Gunnar Solskjaer once did and allow an average goalkeeper (Dean Henderson) to believe he has a chance of unsettling a much better one (David De Gea).