The goalkeeping department has proved to be a headache for multiple Manchester United managers in the recent past, and things finally came to a head last season.
Andre Onana was kicked out on loan after his disastrous Carabao Cup display against Grimsby Town, while backup keeper Altay Bayindir fared little better.
The Turkiye international started the first six Premier League games in a row, out of which the Red Devils won only two.
He conceded 11 goals during that run, including a howler against Arsenal on the opening weekend. It was a match United should have won if not for the goalkeeper’s error.
Altay Bayindir: time is up
New signing Senne Lammens was given a chance between the sticks at the start of October, and the Belgian has not looked back since.
As for Altay Bayindir, he had to make do with a watching brief, and with the 20-time English league champions bringing in Karl Darlow on a free this summer, his prospects are set to diminish even further.
United Players at 2026 World Cup
| Player | Country |
|---|---|
| Matheus Cunha | Brazil |
| Casemiro | Brazil |
| Noussair Mazraoui | Morocco |
| Tyler Fletcher | Scotland |
| Altay Bayındır | Turkey |
| Amad Diallo | Ivory Coast |
| Senne Lammens | Belgium |
| Manuel Ugarte | Uruguay |
| Lisandro Martínez | Argentina |
| Diogo Dalot | Portugal |
| Bruno Fernandes | Portugal |
| Kobbie Mainoo | England |
| Marcus Rashford | England |
United players involved in the 2026 World Cup
The 28-year-old was given extended time off after the World Cup in order to find himself a new club, but nothing materialised.
Now, the former Fenerbahce ace is back at Carrington and has rejoined pre-season training. However, Radek Vitek remains at the club, so pre-season minutes might also be scarce.
Pre-season minutes likely to be scarce for Altay Bayindir
The Sun have now reported that Altay Bayindir spoke to INEOS regarding his future, with his agent also spotted at Carrington on Wednesday.
“ALTAY BAYINDIR has held fresh discussions about his planned departure from Manchester United.
“Bayindir’s agent was at United’s Carrington training complex on Wednesday for a meeting about the goalkeeper’s future.
“A return to Turkey is expected for former Fenerbahce goalie Bayindir, with Besiktas touted as a possible destination back in February.”
Player sales needed for further incomings
United had signed him for a mere £4.1 million in 2023, so any sale should be profitable. It remains to be seen when the move occurs and where Altay Bayindir ends up.
The Old Trafford side need to get player sales going soon if they are to restart their plans to sign at least one more midfielder, a backup striker, as well as a left-back.
Feature image Mike Hewitt via Getty Images
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Ayantan Chowdhury
After failing to become a professional footballer, Ayantan switched to the next best thing: writing about the greatest football club in the world. He has extensive sports journalism experience, having worked for over 10 years in the Indian sports media industry, writing for the biggest newspapers and websites. Currently an editor at The Peoples Person. You can follow him on X: @ayantanc_25
