Altay Bayindir has enjoyed far more minutes at Manchester United since the start of the 2025/26 season. Ruben Amorim raised eyebrows by selecting the Turkey international ahead of Andre Onana, who was a regular last season, in the opening Premier League game of the campaign against Arsenal.
The Red Devils played well, but one mistake from Bayindir led to a 0-1 defeat. However, Amorim opted to continue with the 27-year-old instead of Onana in the league in the following games.
The Cameroonian’s only appearance came in the disastrous EFL Cup second-round tie against Grimsby Town, where he made two costly errors. The Red Devils consequently exited the tournament, and two weeks later, Onana left Old Trafford to join Trabzonspor on loan.
The English giants, meanwhile, signed Senne Lammens from Royal Antwerp on deadline day, but Amorim kept his trust in Bayindir even though he looked nervy between the sticks. However, things changed in the build-up to the game against Sunderland before the international break.
Lammens’ stunning debut raises questions about Bayindir’s future
Lammens was handed his United debut against the Black Cats, with Bayindir dropping down to the bench. “Baby Courtois” was a revelation, showcasing a wide range of skills and helping Amorim’s side secure a 2-0 win.
The 23-year-old made three saves and 11 ball recoveries as the Red Devils registered their first clean sheet of the season. A recent report from The Peoples Person stated that the Belgian is now set to be handed an extended run in the starting XI.
As things stand, the former Royal Antwerp man is likely to keep his place between the sticks for the trip to Anfield after the international break. Although these developments won’t please Bayindir, he insists there are no hard feelings between the two teammates.
A goalkeeper group that pushes each other
Aas reported by The Manchester Evening News, Bayindir insisted that the goalkeepers at United are always pushing each other on the pitch. He said: “That is the way, everyone has to be together, always. We have a good group, a good goalkeeper group, and we are always pushing each of ourselves on the pitch.
“Of course, we are fighting for the shirt, but in the outside, we have a good relationship, like how we did with Andre. He’s at Trabzonspor and he’s doing well.”
United have endured a difficult start to the season, despite performing considerably better than last term. They have won three of their seven games in the Premier League, lost three and currently sit tenth in the league table.
Bayindir went on to add that the team is analysing its performances after games to identify areas for improvement.
“After the game, we are doing the analysis. We’re seeing everything in the analysis, which parts we have to improve – everything,” said Bayindir.
“When you can catch the routine, you can be better every game, because it’s about experience. Also you’re learning something from every game and that’s the important thing.
“Sometimes I’m quiet but I was captain of Fenerbahce and I have this streak, I have this soul. I’m not quiet and calm. I’m always thinking what we have to do. It’s never ‘I don’t care’, never if we lose ‘it’s not my fault’ – you can’t be successful if you have this idea.”
Lammens already looks like an upgrade on Bayindir at present and has impressed fans and critics alike. As such, the former Fenerbahce man may have his work cut out to reclaim his place in the team.
Meanwhile, recent reports suggest that Ruben Amorim wants to sign an experienced goalkeeper in 2026, which could further jeopardise the Turkish custodian’s future at the Theatre of Dreams.
Feature image Jan Kruger via Getty Images
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Deepungsu Pandit
Deepungsu has been a Manchester United fan since 2000. In his playing days, he was an attacking midfielder with a proclivity for the back heel. Right now, however, he prefers to operate as a regista. Deepungsu has been writing about the Red Devils, Football, and other things since 2009. He has worked for over seven years with Sportskeeda, writing football reviews, opinions and news articles. Deepungsu also maintains a blog, The Thinking Me, where he writes about life and things that interest him. His favourite Manchester United player is Paul Scholes.
