Manchester United travel to St James’ Park to face Newcastle later today, with much of the pre-match discussion centred around the absence of goalkeeper André Onana.
Onana faced further criticism on Thursday, following two errors in their 2-2 draw with Lyon in the first leg of their quarter-final clash.
The game came just a day after former Manchester United midfielder Nemanja Matic slated Onana, labelling him “one of the worst goalkeepers” in the club’s history.
According to BBC Sport, the 29 year-old has been left out of the squad to face Newcastle by Ruben Amorim to let the Cameroonian “rest and disconnect”.
Onana’s absence opens up a rare opportunity for Turkish goalkeeper Altay Bayindir, who is set to make his Premier League debut and just his sixth appearance of the season for the club.
Altay Bayindir’s last start for United was against Arsenal
Bayindir has had limited game time in his debut season for the Red Devils since joining from Fenerbache in the summer of 2023.
However, his last appearance was certainly a performance to remember.
The Turkish international saved two penalties as a 10-men Manchester United side knocked out Arsenal of the FA Cup at the Emirates Stadium, earlier in January this year.
Bayindir denied Arsenal captain Martin Ødegaard from the spot during regulation time, keeping the match alive and sending it into extra time.
The match went to a penalty shootout and Bayindir was the hero, thwarting Kai Havertz and securing victory for the Red Devils against the odds, sending the travelling United fans into raptures.
Following the game, Bayindir couldn’t hide his excitement, he told the BBC: “I want to make everyone happy for this great club. I’m working here everyday.
“If you are not playing it doesn’t matter. You have to be ready every minute, every second, if you are a Man Utd player you have to be ready always.”
Bruno Fernandes and Ruben Amorim lauded Bayindir
Bayindir’s FA Cup heroics earned him praise from Red Devils captain Bruno Fernandes as well as manager Ruben Amorim.
Fernandes lauded the Turkish international’s performance whilst commending his character, he said: “It’s a big moment for him, the first penalty and another save here and we are really happy for him.
“It’s tough to be second goalkeeper, he came here to play, whenever he gets his chance he’s top class for us, he’s top class in training, he’s always available for everyone and he truly deserves this moment.”
Amorim echoed the Portuguese international’s sentiment and said: “Today he was our hero!
“Life is like that, you have to stay humble, work every day and your time will come.”
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