Next week is a crucial one for a Manchester United player with a squad number matching his current number of appearances for the club.
One of the quirks of Andre Onana taking the number 24 shirt was that back-up goalkeeper Altay Bayindir was given the number one – usually reserved for the first choice.
And so far, Bayindir has only one appearance for United, coming against Newport in the FA Cup earlier in 2024.
That start against Newport only came as Andre Onana was away at the African Nations Cup with Cameroon; it was the one game he missed.
Altay Bayindir overlooked in 2023/24
Since his arrival from Fenerbahce, Altay Bayindir has become somewhat of a forgotten signing. He has been there, in the background, and just called upon once.
Early last season there were calls for Bayindir to feature in the first half of the season amid Onana’s shaky start.
Erik ten Hag resisted these calls, even in cup competitions, declining to add to a goalkeeper choice controversy.
His reasoning was that Onana needed the Carabao Cup games to further adjust to English football, rather than rotate Bayindir in.
Ten Hag’s stance continued in the FA Cup, barring the game Onana was unavailable for, the former Inter Milan goalkeeper started every single game.
Altay Bayindir hoping for Carabao Cup chance
Next week Manchester United face Barnsley in the Carabao Cup at Old Trafford. There could be some rotation, with Bayindir desperate for games.
It did not happen when United faced League one side Wigan away in the FA Cup last season, but Ten Hag may have changed his stance.
During the Dutchman’s first season at the club, he rotated in on-loan goalkeeper Martin Dubravka for two League Cup matches, instead of using David de Gea.
If last season was a special case with Onana settling into English football, Bayindir will be hoping the Cameroon international feels fully established now.
It is important for a back-up goalkeeper to get some game time every now and again, to stay sharp.
There may even be some Europa League chances in the mix for Bayindir this year.
But let’s see if Ten Hag trusts him against Barnsley first.
Next week Bayindir will find out whether this will be a more productive season for him, or another very frustrating one.
from United In Focus https://ift.tt/t18Nqmw