In Altay Bayindir’s first official interview, the goalkeeper has revealed the pride and excitement he’s experienced following his move to Manchester United.
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.
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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!