Altay Bayindir and the life of a second-choice goalkeeper as the Turkish international was the hero in last night’s FA Cup win for United.
Altay Bayindir was the subject of ridicule in December when he conceded direct from Son Heung-Min’s 88th-minute corner.
However, after just one month and one game, manager Ruben Amorim called him “our hero” after the 26-year-old played a pivotal role in his team’s FA Cup third-round victory over Arsenal on penalties following a 1-1 draw.
Since joining United in September 2023 for a cost of £4.3 million from Fenerbahce, the Turkey international has only played in cup competitions; he has played in the FA Cup and the Carabao Cup this season.
Despite having Diogo Dalot sent off in the 61st minute of a match that went into extra time, Bayindir took the praise as United defeated the Gunners at Emirates Stadium following the hurt of that Tottenham loss and concerns about his ability.
“Your life as a footballer has cycles and moments,” admitted United boss Amorim.
“Sometimes in one week, your life can change and you can see [that with] Altay. Against Tottenham everyone was biting their fingers for Altay and I understand that – and today he was our hero.
“He’s a good guy, he works a lot and life has beautiful things.
“All the players in this team have the opportunity and they are lucky because they are playing for Manchester United. It doesn’t matter if you play one game or 90 games, it’s always a joy to play for this club.”
The game’s momentum was altered in the 72nd minute by Bayindir’s spectacular save in the corner to deny Martin Odegaard’s penalty. With an extra man advantage, Arsenal would have been ahead 2-1 at that point.
Motivated by that, United displayed defensive fortitude to force a penalty shootout, in which Bayindir once more used his 6′ 6″ height to block a low attempt from Kai Havertz, the only missed of the nine attempted.
With those saves, Altay Bayindir became the first Premier League goalie to save a penalty in both normal time and a penalty shootout in the same game (since the 2013–14 season).
Named player of the match afterwards, Bayindir said he just wanted “to help this great team”.
“I want to make everyone happy for this great club. I’m working here every day.” he added.
“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.”
Former England striker Alan Shearer, speaking on BBC’s Match of the Day coverage, said the goalkeeper was “absolutely outstanding”.
“He holds his nerve, he doesn’t blink first,” he added. “When you get given an opportunity, you have to take it and he took it today.”
United captain Bruno Fernandes, whose fine opening goal was cancelled out by Gabriel’s strike for Arsenal, added: “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.”