Who was United’s Man of the Match v Arsenal?

Manchester United advanced to the Emirates FA Cup fourth round for the 11th successive season after beating Arsenal on penalties in an absorbing affair, which will live long in the memory.

Our 17th meeting with the Gunners in the competition came alive in the second half as Bruno Fernandes swept United ahead and, shortly after Diogo Dalot was sent off for a second bookable offence, Gabriel’s deflected shot brought Mikel Arteta’s side level.

After the resolute Reds kept Arsenal at bay during extra-time, United scored all five penalties in the shootout to set up a reunion with Ruud van Nistelrooy at Old Trafford next month against his Leicester City team in the next round.

An eventful encounter in north London, but who did you vote as our top performer? Keep scrolling to find out…

Earning a majority 76 per cent of the fan vote, goalkeeper Altay Bayindir was a worthy winner of our Man of the Match award from Sunday afternoon’s contest.

It’s a double success for Altay, after he also picked up the official Emirates FA Cup Player of the Match trophy.

The Turkish international was making his fifth appearance for the Reds and fourth of the current campaign, after being an ever-present in our run to the Carabao Cup quarter-finals.

Our no.1 justified his selection ahead of Andre Onana with some impressive saves – particularly in the second half, most notably from Martin Odegaard’s penalty, to help the 10-man Reds take the tie the distance.

In the shootout, Altay also made a stunning stop to deny Kai Havertz’s spot-kick, which was bound for the bottom corner – a save which proved decisive as United triumphed 5-3 on penalties.

According to Opta, Bayindir is the first Premier League goalkeeper on record, since 2013-14, to save a penalty in both normal time and in a penalty shootout in the same FA Cup game.

Talking to BBC Radio 5 Live afterwards, Ruben Amorim said of Bayindir: “Altay had a difficult game against Tottenham, but continued to do the same things in training, maybe without a smile, but he continued to work and today he is our hero.”

Bayindir: It’s a special feeling for me Video

Bayindir: It’s a special feeling for me

Altay Bayindir reflects on a day to remember at Arsenal, where his penalty saves inspired a memorable FA Cup win…

Bayindir’s performance also earned praise from former United goalkeeper Alex Stepney, who wrote on X (formerly Twitter): “Well done Altay, I would’ve been proud of that performance today. Up the Reds.”

Coming in second place with nine per cent of the vote was Harry Maguire, who put in a colossal display at the heart of the Reds defence before being replaced by Leny Yoro during extra-time.

Taking home the bronze medal in this poll with seven per cent was Bruno Fernandes. It was another brilliant performance from our captain, who scored at the Emirates Stadium for the first time with a sweeping finish early in the second half of normal time to pave the way for our triumph.

Congratulations, Altay! Thank you to everyone who voted.

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