Altay Bayindir has been patiently waiting in the wings for his Man United opening. He may now be about to be given that opportunity.
Manchester United Football Club can thank Andre Onana for their Champions League position right now, The Red Devils remain bottom of their group, despite scoring three goals in each of their three away games. It hasn’t been enough due to the sheer stupidity of the man from Cameroon.
That’s not to say Onana isn’t a good goalkeeper. I believe he is. Sadly, there’s now a mental wall ahead of him in European competition. His Premier League performances have been far better.
There’s only so long this can go on before there’s time for change. Altay Bayindir was signed over the summer for this exact scenario.
The 25-year-old has so far remained patiently waiting in the wings, but now, he may be about to be given his first-team opportunity at Old Trafford – and Onana could have no complaints if this happens.
By all indications, Bayindir has looked excellent in training. You do not become Fenerbahce captain for nothing. The talent is obviously there.
Bayindir was signed due to his stylistic fit. He likes to pass out from the back, while he also has a great command of his penalty area. With respect to Onana, his distribution hasn’t even been the best of late. If he’s not doing that well enough, why are we waiting until January to see what Bayindir is capable of?
The season could be lost by that point if Ten Hag continues to persist with Onana, assuming the ex-Inter man keeps making mistakes.
Andre Onana looked devastated at full time last night, throwing his gloves on the floor in frustration after Man United’s draw with Galatasaray 💔😔pic.twitter.com/IUMOGhmnaL
— SPORTbible (@sportbible) November 30, 2023
Bayindir will be starting games in January. That is for sure. I’m seriously looking forward to see how he gets on, but I reckon it makes sense to at least see what he’s made of beforehand. After all, if he doesn’t play well prior, at least you have time to put another contingency plan in place.
For what it’s worth, I reckon Bayindir will succeed. He looks to have all the attributes required and if he does perform to a high standard, I do wonder whether there will be a way back into the team for Onana… At the end of the day, if you’re Ten Hag, you have to put your best team out there on any given matchday.
All that said, I do feel for Onana. He’s clearly struggling mentally, during what has been a tough start to life in Manchester in European competition. Perhaps he too would benefit from a game or two out of the spotlight, though I understand that his benching would initially bring plenty of media attention.
Do you think Altay Bayindir is now in line for his big moment? Let us know your thoughts in the comment box below.
