Ruben Amorim opted to give Altay Bayindir an opportunity in the FA Cup and Manchester United’s back-up goalkeeper was sensational as he proved the hero in the penalty shootout
Micah Richards admits Altay Bayindir may have given Ruben Amorim some selection headaches after his outstanding display in the FA Cup.
The Manchester United No.2 was given a rare opportunity to play from the start and produced a Player of the Match showing as they dumped Arsenal out of the FA Cup. Bayindir, who has generally only played in the cup competitions, was the hero in the penalty shootout as he saved from Kai Havertz.
In normal time he also saved from 12 yards, denying Martin Odegaard as the game finished 1-1. United were playing with 10 men for a large chunk of the game and Bayindir consistently needed to produce big moments.
Andre Onana is the team’s first choice and saw his understudy step up when given the opportunity. Richards believes the manager may now be questioning whether or not he should consider his No.1 with Onana prone to an error.
He said on BBC: “It is hard. We don’t want to be reactionary Altay Bayindir had a good game today, but the thing with Andre Onana, he makes a lot of mistakes.”
Bayindir has been linked with the exit door having originally been signed by Erik ten Hag. The Turkish shot stopper has had to be patient and hasn’t always taken his opportunities when they’ve come his way, but the player was determined to play his part when called upon.
He said: “I just help my team. I am working everyday. I am patient. I just want to help this great team. 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.
“[Ruben Amorim] is talking with us everyday and he wants to help us. We love him and he’s always trying to do his best. He has a very good relationship with the players and we are trusting him, he is trusting us. We are fighting together.”
Bruno Fernandes, who scored in normal time and also converted his penalty, was hugely complimentary of the goalkeeper. “It’s a big moment for him, the first penalty and another save here and we are really happy for him,” he said. “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.”
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