Altay Bayindir was given a show of support from Andre Onana after his nightmare Premier League debut for Manchester United. Bayindir, 27, made his first league start by facing Newcastle nearly two years after signing from Fenerbahce in a £4.3million deal.
First-choice goalkeeper Onana was ever present until Sunday’s trip to St James’ Park when Red Devils boss Ruben Amorim decided to make a change. In midweek, the ex-Inter Milan star had been at fault for both goals against Lyon, as United slipped to a 2-2 draw in their Europa League quarter-final first leg.
Amorim initially suggested that he’d stick with Onana, only to leave him at home as United travelled north. The United manager will now have an even bigger decision to make ahead of Thursday’s second leg, as Bayindir’s debut ended in a 4-1 thrashing.
The Turkey international, who’s had mixed performances in cup competitions this season, was at fault for Newcastle’s fourth goal as he gifted a pass into midfield. Bayindir conceded from four of their six shots on target and flapped at multiple crosses, ending the sobering afternoon with a passing accuracy of just 47.4 per cent.
After full-time, the 27-year-old posted on Instagram to mark his Premier League debut and insist that United will be ‘back stronger’. “Honored to make my PL debut for this club,” Bayindir wrote.
“Not the result we wanted, but I’ll keep pushing, keep fighting. We’ll be back stronger – keep believing.”
Despite Bayindir being the man to take his place, Onana liked the post in a show of support. It’s not the first that the Cameroonian has offered his fellow goalkeeper some public backing.
Who should play versus Lyon – Andre Onana or Altay Bayindir? Have your say in the comments section.
After Bayindir made a string of errors in United’s chaotic 4-3 defeat to Tottenham in the Carabao Cup earlier this season, Onana remonstrated with referee John Brooks over what proved to be the winning goal, insisting that his team-mate had been fouled. Onana even received a booking for his protests but was later recalled for the Red Devils’ next Premier League match.
When asked if Onana will return against Lyon for a potentially season-defining game, Amorim was coy. “You guys have to wait,” he told reporters. “We are going to start the next week tomorrow and I’m going to choose the best starting XI for the next one.”
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