Altay Bayindir’s long-awaited Manchester United debut is upon him, but manager Erik ten Hag believes the Turkish shot-stopper won’t buckle under the pressure.
After warming the bench since his summer arrival, Bayindir will finally get his chance to shine against Newport County in the FA Cup this Sunday, thanks to first-choice keeper Andre Onana’s AFCON absence.
READ: Who is Man United Keeper Altay Bayindir? Turkiye’s Rising Star
Ten Hag confirmed that Bayindir will start and get his debut and that he is prepared for the big day.
“He will be in the goal,” Ten Hag said when asked if Bayindir will start on Sunday.
“What we can expect for him, he waits for his chance but he is experienced, played in a big club in Turkey under big pressure, he knows how to deal with it, we were convinced…so we are looking forward to Sunday. Altay is waiting for this moment and this is his moment.”
When asked about Bayindir’s readiness for the pressure cooker of the FA Cup, Ten Hag delivered a witty and insightful response. “You have been in Fenerbahce? Pressure,” he chuckled. “Also, Turkey, that is big pressure always, also for the national team so he knows how to deal with it.”
Ten Hag’s point is clear, Bayindir has already faced the cauldron of high-pressure environments, both with Fenerbahce, where he made 145 appearances, and with the Turkish national team, where he’s expected to be a key figure at Euro 2024.
While Onana has been Ten Hag’s preferred choice so far, his recent errors have opened the door for Bayindir to prove his mettle.
This FA Cup tie isn’t just about Bayindir’s debut, it’s also a potential turning point in the battle for United’s number one spot. Bayindir has the chance to silence his doubters and stake his claim to the gloves.
With Ten Hag’s backing and his own experience handling pressure, the Turkish international is primed to show the Red Devils faithful what he’s made of.
