Altay Bayindir: Erik ten Hag explains Manchester United goalkeeper’s absence

Manchester United manager Erik ten Hag has explained the reasoning behind Altay Bayindir’s absence in the Carabao Cup but said the Turkish goalkeeper will get a chance to shine.

Bayindir joined Manchester United from Turkish club Fenerbahce in the summer in a deal believed to be worth around £4.3 million. With the release of David de Gea, alongside Dean Henderson’s move to Crystal Palace, the 25-year-old was brought in to provide competition for fellow new summer signing Andre Onana.

While Onana is set to start in goal for Premier League fixtures, there was surprise when the Cameroonian was also preferred in goal for United’s 3-0 win over Crystal Palace in the Carabao Cup last week.

Erik ten Hag’s Explanation

However, Ten Hag has since explained the decision and moved to allay any fears surrounding a lack of game time for the second-choice keeper.

‘You will see,’ the Dutchman responded when asked if Bayindir will make his debut in the coming weeks.

‘We chose against Crystal Palace in the League Cup to play Andre [Onana] because they are both new and both have to adapt to the English standard. That’s why we preferred Andre to play in that game, it was important for him to use every game at this moment. Also, we have to progress Altay, that’s clear. He makes a very good impression in training, he’s really developing and progressing and we are very happy with him. We are convinced we have the two right goalkeepers in our squad to do the job for us.’

Bayindir’s Potential Debut

United progressed to the Carabao Cup fourth round with a 3-0 win over Palace, with Bayindir potentially set to make his debut when they face off against Newcastle United in a repeat of last year’s final.

Having beaten them in the cup, though, United fell to a disappointing 1-0 home defeat against Roy Hodgson’s side on Saturday in the Premier League. They will look to bounce back when they host Turkish side, Galatasaray in their second Champions League group stage fixture on Tuesday.

Conclusion

Altay Bayindir is yet to make his debut for Manchester United but Erik ten Hag has explained the reasoning behind his absence and reassured fans that he will get his chance soon. With United facing Newcastle United in the Carabao Cup fourth round, Bayindir could make his debut in a repeat of last year’s final. United will look to bounce back from their disappointing 1-0 home defeat against Crystal Palace when they host Galatasaray in their second Champions League group stage fixture on Tuesday.