Manchester United

Altay Bayindir 'will be given Manchester United chance if Andre Onana struggles continue'

By Matt Law, Football Editor | 14 October 2023

Bayindir 'will be given Man United chance if Onana struggles continue'

Altay Bayindir will be given an opportunity to secure the gloves for Manchester United if Andre Onana's struggles continue, according to a report.

Altay Bayindir will reportedly be given an opportunity between the sticks for Manchester United if Andre Onana is unable to shake off his early-season issues.

Both goalkeepers arrived at Old Trafford over the summer, with Onana joining as the number one from Inter Milan following the departure of long-serving Spaniard David de Gea.

Bayindir, meanwhile, was brought in as a number two due to Dean Henderson's exit to Crystal Palace, with the Turkey international making the switch from Fenerbahce.

Onana has struggled during his early career at Old Trafford, conceding 19 times in 11 appearances, including seven goals in two Champions League fixtures.

The 27-year-old, who will next be in club action against Sheffield United on October 21, has made multiple errors already this term, which has led to widespread criticism of his form.

Manchester United goalkeeper Andre Onana on August 5, 2023 © Reuters

According to ESPN, Onana still has the full support of senior figures at Old Trafford, including head coach Erik ten Hag, who is convinced that the stopper will play his way into form.

However, the report claims that Ten Hag 'is open to making a change' if the former Ajax goalkeeper continues to find it difficult between the sticks.

Tom Heaton is also a part of the goalkeeping department, but Bayindir is seen as the number two, and the summer arrival is 'waiting in the wings'.

The 25-year-old is yet to make his debut for the Red Devils, and he was surprisingly overlooked in the EFL Cup against Crystal Palace last month despite being heavily tipped to feature in the cup competition.

Altay Bayindir signs for Manchester United on September 1, 2023 © Manchester United FC

"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," Ten Hag told reporters earlier this month.

""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.

"He makes a very good impression in training, he's really developing, progressing. So we're very happy with that and we are convinced we have the two right goalkeepers in our squad to do the job for us."

Bayindir, who is a six-time Turkey international, gained huge experience during his time at Fenerbahce, making 145 appearances for the Turkish giants in all competitions.

The goalkeeper played in the Europa League and Europa Conference League at his former club, while he played four times earlier this season before it became clear that he would be heading for Manchester.