Altay Bayindir was Manchester United’s hero during Sunday’s FA Cup victory over Arsenal.
Days before kicking off at The Emirates, Ruben Amorim confirmed Altay Bayindir would start against Arsenal with Andre Onana given a rare rest.
Bayindir was terrible against Tottenham in his last start for United, but Amorim stuck by his number two and started him in North London.
United spent most of the match with their backs up against a wall after Diogo Dalot was sent off, but Altay Bayindir was the foundation of a superbly-organised defence.
After an extremely harsh penalty call against Harry Maguire, Bayindir stepped up and saved Martin Odegaard’s effort. United held on in extra time to reach a penalty shootout, and once again Bayindir was the hero after saving Declan Rice’s spot-kick.
Altay Bayindir breaks 10-year penalty record
Bayindir’s future at United has been cast into doubt this month, but against Arsenal he put in a performance that suggests the Red Devils should keep hold of him.
He celebrated every save with a passionate roar and was deservedly named Man of the Match for his penalty heroics.
Not only was Bayindir the star of the show for United, but he also broke a 10-year record in the FA Cup.
As revealed by Opta on social media, Bayindir is the first goalkeeper on record (since 2013-14) to save a penalty in both normal time and in a penalty shootout in the same FA Cup game.
On top of his penalty saves, Bayindir also made excellent stops late into normal time, including a close-ranged block against Rice.
Ruben Amorim may have to re-think goalkeeper demand at Man United
After Bayindir’s horror show against Spurs and Andre Onana’s recent dip in form, Amorim set his sights on reinforcing United’s goalkeeper department.
Reports actually claimed Amorim wanted to sign two goalkeepers to provide extra depth and competition for Onana.
However, Bayindir’s performance in London suggests he could yet salvage his United career – he is certainly a penalty expert the club can rely on.
United have been linked to John Victor, who is reportedly valued at £20m. He was seen as a potential Bayindir replacement but that money may have just been saved.
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