Altay Bayindir is Manchester United´s newest addition to the seemingly revolving door of the goalkeeping department.

The keeper made history by becoming the first Turk to sign for the club. However, whether or not the player is ready to take on the mantle of being Manchester United’s shot-stopper if called upon is up for debate.

Eyebrows were raised when Erik ten Hag overlooked Bayindir against Crystal Palace in the Carabao Cup at the backend of September.

Nonetheless, the coach defended his decision claiming that the 25-year-old is progressing well in training and that the coaching staff are happy with him. Ten Hag also claimed that his choice was based on Onana´s need to “adapt to the English standard” according to The Mirror.

As a result, Manchester United fans are yet to see their new keeper in action. The Athletic have stepped in to give the supporters some much needed background on the man from Osmangazi.

The summer recruit is described as a solid all-round keeper who despite having space to grow, has had experience of some of “the most intense football games played on Earth”.

To continue with the good news, Bayindir has been portrayed as a world class one-on-one keeper with excellent reflexes. The Turk is also more than happy to race off his line to cut counter attacks. This quality has been put down to his time as Fenerbache’s number one, who are used to seeing the lion’s share of the ball in the Turkish Super Lig.

Although, all is not rosy in the garden of Altay. He has been described as having a weak passing game who struggles to make a “chipped through ball to the full-backs” to beat the first wave of the press.

If this is an accurate depiction, it makes Ten Hag’s desire to sign him this summer a strange one considering Andre Onana was recruited for just over 47 million pounds to enhance United’s ability to play out from the back.

Worryingly, his decision making when coming to claim crosses has also faced significant scrutiny. So, to sum up, United have purchased a keeper who has strong reflexes but struggles on the ball and in the air.

So it begs the question, haven’t the club gone down this road before with a certain David De Gea?

Altay Bayindir’s style is a curious choice to back up Andre Onana but the reality is, he may have to. The Cameroonian keeper is yet to decide whether or not he will play at the AFCON with his national side this January. Should he opt to, the Turkish shot-stopper will be thrown right into the lion’s den of post-Christmas Premier League football.

The Athletic finish the article with a more promising assertion that Bayindir is “an exciting recruitment that could turn out to be great with the right help and handling”. Let’s hope for both Manchester United’s and Turkey’s sake, this prediction comes into fruition.

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Rob Dawson contends the Manchester United manager is prepared to make a switch in goal if the mistakes which have plagued Onana’s start to life at Old Trafford continue.

Dawson stresses, however, that the Cameroonian goalkeeper continues to receive the backing of his manager at present.

Ten Hag and his coaching staff believe Onana will recover from his shaky start and are working on a combination of improvements in confidence and technical adjustments to help the goalkeeper rediscover the form which saw United pursue his services this summer.

Signed at great expense from Inter Milan, Onana arrived as one of the premier shot-stoppers in European football. The Cameroonian was nominated for FIFA’s Best Goalkeeper award for the 2022/23 season, helping his side reach the Champions League final.

Tasked with replacing David De Gea, Onana’s purchase was intended to be an important part of the United team’s continued evolution under Ten Hag.

Having worked with the Dutch manager at Ajax, where the pair thrived both domestically and continentally, Onana’s proactive style and ability to play out from the back were considered prized assets his predecessor had lacked. 

Indeed, this radical shift in profile between the sticks is seen by Ten Hag as one contributing factor to Onana’s poor form. Dawson writes: “Ten Hag is conscious that some of the teething problems are down to the rest of the team transitioning from one goalkeeper who was cautious in possession to another who wants to take risks.”

This transition does not excuse the almost comical nature of some of Onana’s mistakes, however.

Ten Hag appears to recognise this unfortunate reality and is ready to give Altay Bayindir a chance should it continue.

Bayindir was targeted by United this summer ahead of more youthful alternatives, precisely because of his experience. Onana’s prospective departure to play in the African Cup of Nations made a viable backup goalkeeper all the more pressing a need at Old Trafford.

If Onana’s calamitous form continues, Bayindir may receive his first audition between the sticks earlier than anticipated.

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Manchester United made major changes to their goalkeeping department this summer, with David de Gea ending his twelve year stay as the club’s number one.

Andre Onana was joined by Turkish stopper Altay Bayindir to fill the gloves of United’s outgoing Spanish star.

Bayindir is yet to make his debut for Erik ten Hag but could be in line for his first start in this evening’s Champions League game against Galatasaray, at Old Trafford.

The 25-year-old has spoken before the crunch clash on how he’s settled into life in Manchester, as reported by Turkish media.

“Life is so beautiful. I’m really good. Everyone’s approach is very warm. Where a player wants to be is where he or she is wanted. I’m happy to be where I want to be,” he said.

Erik ten Hag recently admitted that making sure Bayindir is up-to-speed with the English game is the reason he is yet to make his bow, with Onana continuing to play in the Carabao Cup as well as the league.

Bayindir has, himself, acknowledged there is a huge difference between the pace of the game in England and Turkey.

“It’s a league that gives pleasure to the viewers, like a basketball game. It’s a little different in our country. Football is a game that is played very quickly here,” said the Turk.

Bayindir then spoke glowingly on his new boss and says Ten Hag is a positive manager who is looking for details in the game.

“Erik ten Hag is very positive, knowledgeable. What defines football are details that seem simple. These are the things that the teacher thinks about the most,” he added.

The ‘keeper then opened up on what it will be like to welcome a team from his native land to Old Trafford and says he is looking forward to facing the Turkish giants.

“It’s a good and different feeling to face Galatasaray. You are also a player of a great worldwide community representing your country. It’s a good feeling that they’re coming here. I will welcome them in a welcoming way,” said Bayindir.

However, should he be picked to start tonight’s (Tuesday’s) game, he will fight for United and do all he can to ensure his new side leave with the valuable three points.

“Of course, there is a team that I fight for the colours of (United), and for me, where I work is important. But the players of my country’s team are valuable to me,” he concluded.

Whoever gets the nod in goal for United this evening will need to be on form, with Galatasaray in fine fettle in their domestic league.

On the other hand, United have suffered an indifferent start to their Premier League campaign and are still looking for their first points on their return to the Champions League, having lost in Munich in the opening fixture in Group A.

Galatasaray picked up one point in their opening game, having come from behind to rescue a 2-2 draw with Danish Champions Copenhagen, on Matchday 1.

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United lost their first game against Bayern Munich while Galatasaray could only draw against 10-men Copenhagen.

That makes it a must-win affair for both sides, promising for an exciting clash.

Here are the top three things to watch out for in the thrilling UCL fixture-

A homecoming and Premier League Central station

When Galatasaray’s team news dropped, chances are that United fans will recognise a number of names on the sheet, including a return to Old Trafford for Wilfried Zaha.

The Ivorian spent a turbulent time at United which threatened to derail his career completely. Since then, he rebuilt it at Crystal Palace before finally making his UCL move to Galatasaray.

He relishes making an impact against United and Diogo Dalot will have some job on his hands to minimise his impact.

However, he’s not the only familiar name. Galatasaray went on somewhat of a Premier League reunion shopping recently.

The likes of Davinson Sanchez and Tanguy Ndombele (ex-Spurs), Lucas Torreira (ex-Arsenal), and Angelino (ex-City) are some players who play for the Turkish side now. That’s without counting ex-Chelsea man Hakim Ziyech, who is currently injured and expected to miss this clash.

Galatasaray’s trip to Old Trafford will make it a Premier League Central station, and fans will have bones to pick with all these players.

A return on the right

Erik ten Hag strongly suggested in his press conference that Antony has a chance to feature against Galatasaray after his 19-day leave of absence ended recently.

He hasn’t had many training sessions since but he remains a Ten Hag favourite. Moreover, nobody has impressed emphatically in his position while he was absent.

Therefore, it wouldn’t be a huge surprise to see him immediately thrust into the right-wing spot.

Galatasaray’s fullback position is a potential soft spot. Ten Hag will be looking to unleash his first-choice wingers for this contest to better the team’s chances.

Antony was widely scrutinised for his form prior to his absence, but the performances while he was absent have upped his stock dramatically. Now it’s up to him to make good on that fact.

Is a debut on the cards?

United fans were somewhat surprised when Ten Hag didn’t select backup goalkeeper Altay Bayindir for the League Cup game against Crystal Palace.

The manager has since revealed his reasoning, citing Onana’s need to get used to his teammates and English football as to why that decision was made.

However, the noise around Bayindir has been quite high in the lead-up to this game. Furthermore, he has experience of playing against Turkish opposition. Therefore, Ten Hag might think this is the game to ease him into the United colours, even though it is a borderline must-win fixture.

It would be a huge mark of confidence in the player if Ten Hag decided to go that way. It remains to be seen if he does.

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United are aiming to get their Champions League campaign back on track when they host Galatasaray at Old Trafford on Tuesday.

Ten Hag’s men were beaten by Bayern Munich in their opening Group A fixture. They are currently bottom of the group.

Bayindir is yet to make his debut for United. He was one of the players signed late in the summer transfer window.

The goalkeeper is undoubtedly familiar with Galatasaray, owing to his time in the Super Lig with Fenerbahce.

Bayindir was expected to start for his new side last week against Crystal Palace in the EFL Cup, but Onana surprisingly started between the sticks.

Ten Hag spoke to reporters during his pre-match presser and revealed why the Turkey international has had to wait a bit longer to make his bow in front of the United faithful.

“You will see [if Bayindir gets a chance to play soon], but we chose against Crystal Palace in the League Cup to play Andre because both came new in and both have to adapt to the English standard.”

“So that’s why we preferred Andre to play in that game.”

“It’s important for him to use every game in this moment, but yeah, we also have to progress Altay, that’s clear.”

Ten Hag explained that the 25-year-old had impressed during training and showed significant improvement and progress.

The United boss expressed his faith once more in Bayindir and in his ability to make positive contributions to the team this season.

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Bayindir was one of the players United managed to bring in on deadline day.

His arrival from Fenerbahce only got over the line after Dean Henderson’s permanent exit to Premier League rivals Crystal Palace was confirmed.

Bayindir was named on the bench during United’s 1-3 defeat against Arsenal at the Emirates just before the international break.

The goalkeeper was called up by the Turkey national team.

Demirel spoke to TRT Haber via SportWitness and had his say on Bayindir’s switch to Old Trafford.

When the Hatayspor technical director retired from football in 2019 after 17 years with Fenerbahçe, it was Bayindir who replaced him between the sticks.

The United star went on to feature 145 times for the Super Lig giants and kept 44 clean sheets.

Demirel said, “Altay was an asset for Fenerbahçe. Ugurcan [Trabzonsport goalkeeper who also plays for the national team] is the same way.”

“Irfan is also doing well. I am happy that Altay has gone to Manchester but sad that he left Fenerbahçe.”

He added, “English football will take him to the next level.”

While Onana is certainly the undisputed number one, Bayindir has a chance to get a consistent run of games in January in the event Onana decides to line up for Cameroon in the upcoming Africa Cup of Nations tournament.

A report covered by The Peoples Person had indicated that the former Inter Milan star is set to hold showdown talks with Erik ten Hag regarding his decision to make a return to the international football scene.

Onana stands to miss up to nine games across all competitions. This could give Bayindir the chance to make his mark.

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The potential for this decision was covered in a report by The Peoples Person here, but the official confirmation will come as a significant blow for Manchester United.

Cameroon are expected to beat Burundi and confirm their qualification for next year’s AFCON in Ivory Coast.

The tournament will take place in January 2024 with the first fixture on the 13th. The tournament will last until February 11th.

If Cameroon successfully qualify, Onana could miss up to four Premier League games as a result.

During this period, United host Tottenham on January 13th before going away to Wolves on the 30th. They then play West Ham at home on February 2nd and Aston Villa away on the 10th.

Initially, the tournament had not posed a concern for United when signing Onana. 

The goalkeeper retired from international duty following a dispute with Cameroon’s manager, Rigobert Song, at the World Cup in Qatar.

The pair were reported to have argued over tactics with Onana departing the Cameroonian camp following the opening game against Serbia. He has not played for Cameroon since.

This situation has now reached a full 180, however, with Onana underscoring his commitment to his country: “My commitment to Cameroon remains unwavering, and I am determined to play my part in seeing it prosper.”

Old Trafford officials were reported to be aware of the prospect of Onana rejoining his national side. This perhaps explains the pursuit of Altay Bayindir, signed on the final day of the transfer window from Fenerbahce.

Though Bayindir was signed to be the number two at Old Trafford, he has been entrusted with the number one shirt (given Onana’s personal preference for 24).

He will be assuming the role of number one, however, in the post-Christmas period if Cameroon are successful against Burundi.

The post Andre Onana rejoins the Cameroon national team appeared first on Man United News And Transfer News | The Peoples Person.

Erik ten Hag welcomed three new players to his team, as well as official confirmation of a one-year deal for Jonny Evans. Sofyan Amrabat was the final addition after deals were agreed earlier in the day for Sergio Reguilón and Altay Bayindir. 

Bayindir will wear the number one shirt despite his role as number two, given Andre Onana’s personal preference for the number twenty-four.

The Turkish international recently revealed his hero growing up was Edwin van der Sar, United’s Champions League winning hero in 2008. Bayindir will be undoubtedly excited and honoured to wear the Dutchman’s former shirt this season.

Reguilón will wear the number fifteen, previously worn by Marcel Sabitzer last season.

Jonny Evans has been given the number thirty-five, having previously worn the number six in his previous time at Old Trafford.

Amrabat’s number has not been confirmed yet, with the club stating it will be decided following the Moroccan’s official registration with United.

Rasmus Højlund will assume the prestigious number eleven – the same shirt he wears for the Danish national team.

Alejandro Garnacho has switched the number forty-nine for the number seventeen, made vacant by the departure of Fred in the summer. It’s a number change which reflects the Argentine’s growing stature in the United squad.

The squad numbers in full can be found here:

• • 1 – Altay Bayindir
  • 2 – Victor Lindelof
  • 3 – Luke Shaw
  • 5 – Harry Maguire
  • 6 – Lisandro Martinez
  • 7 – Mason Mount
  • 8 – Bruno Fernandes (C)
  • 9 – Anthony Martial
  • 10 – Marcus Rashford
  • 11 – Ramus Højlund
  • 12 – Tyrell Malacia
  • 14 – Christian Eriksen
  • 15 – Sergio Reguilón
  • 16 – Amad Diallo
  • 17 – Alejandro Garnacho
  • 18 – Casemiro
  • 19 – Raphaël Varane
  • 20 – Diogo Dalot
  • 21 – Antony
  • 22 – Tom Heaton (GK)
  • 23 – Luke Shaw
  • 24 – Andre Onana (GK)
  • 25 – Jadon Sancho
  • 28 – Facundo Pellistri
  • 29 – Aaron Wan-Bissaka
  • 34 – Donny van de Beek
  • 35 – Jonny Evans
  • 37 – Kobbie Mainoo
  • 39 – Scott McTominay
  • TBD – Sofyan Amrabat

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The 25-year old officially signed for United from Turkish side, Fenerbahce, this morning. The deal is reported to be worth £4.3 million.

Erik ten Hag revealed United have extensively scouted Bayindir and believes he will make a “huge contribution” to the team.

Our GK Union: 1⃣

Welcome to United, @AltayBayindir_1! #MUFC

— Manchester United (@ManUtd) September 1, 2023

Speaking to MUTV, the Turkish international described how he will “give everything” for his new club while underscoring his own winning mentality:

“I want to win every game, always, and it’s very important because I don’t like [losing] and we are playing for United. We need to win all the games. But I will give my everything for Manchester United.”

Bayindir is the first Turkish player to represent the club; a responsibility he is acutely aware of:

“We are talking every day with my family in Turkey, they live in Bursa, very near Istanbul. And my family are all happy. They are asking about everything every day. I know my responsibility. It’s very important for me.”

The goalkeeper reveals he was pushed to try out the position as a child by his mother: “…my mum said, ‘my son, you can play as a goalkeeper, that position is good for you because you are tall.” A mother’s intuition cannot be disputed.

Bayindir reveals former United great, Edwin van der Sar, was a source of inspiration for him. “A quality man, a quality person and a quality goalkeeper for Manchester United,” he contends. If United’s newest recruit ends up having a career at Old Trafford half as successful as Van der Sar, his signing will be an unmitigated success.

Bayindir has been keeping a keen eye on the club since he was linked with a move. The goalkeeper watched the recent victory over Nottingham Forest, describing the atmosphere at Old Trafford as “amazing.”

“…our fans are very good, I think. I can’t wait to meet the fans, but if you are winning everyone [is] happy because they are seeing you fighting on the pitch.”

Tom Heaton was singled out for praise by Bayindir as well. The new goalkeeper described his new colleague as a “quality person” given how much effort Heaton had made to make Bayindir feel welcome. “He said ‘if you need something, you can tell me about everything,” Bayindir recounted.

The 25-year old summarised his feelings on his new mates by stating “we are a team, we are together now.”

Welcome to Manchester Altay!

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The worst-kept secret is out as Manchester United confirmed Altay Bayindir is a United player.

Bayindir comes from the Turkish club Fenerbahce and is expected to be the backup to Andre Onana, effectively replacing Dean Henderson in that role.

The Turkish club will receive a fee of £4.3 million for his services.

Our GK Union: 1⃣

Welcome to United, @AltayBayindir_1! #MUFC

— Manchester United (@ManUtd) September 1, 2023

Upon joining, Bayindir said it is a “huge honour” to join Manchester United and “become the first Turkish player” to represent the club.

“I will give everything to help this special group of players to achieve our ambitions,” he added.

United had been on the lookout for a cheap goalkeeping option once it became clear that Henderson’s future was away from the club.

Furthermore, the need for a genuine No 2 to Onana became pressing once it became clear that the Cameroonian might leave United for some time due to his recall to the national team.

Bayindir was once highly-rated in Turkey but a rough couple of seasons have his stock at an all-time low.

However, the club and the manager clearly believe there is talent in the player.

Therefore, this move by United is effectively moving for a distressed asset. As the backup goalkeeper, Bayindir will arguably not play more than 10 games across all competitions at a stretch.

At the same time, United will rest safe knowing that a genuine option is in their ranks who has clarity over his role, while also being good enough to deputise.

His signing will probably begin a frantic end to the transfer window for United, who are also close to confirming the signing of Sergio Reguilon on loan and remain in the chase for Sofyan Amrabat.

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