November 30, (THEWILL) – Manchester United’s manager, Erik ten Hag, has said that backup goalkeeper, Altay Bayindir, “will get his chances” in response to continued scrutiny of first-choice, Andre Onana’s mistake-ridden performances.
Onana, signed for £47 million last summer from Inter Milan, was intended to bring a new dimension to United’s play with his superior ball skills compared to former number one, David de Gea. However, persistent errors with his handling have proven an unexpected Achilles heel this 2023/2024 season.
The latest blunders came in a 3-3 home draw on Wednesday, against Turkish club, Galatasaray, despite United leading twice by two goals. It adds pressure on Ten Hag to drop Onana and give Turkish international, Bayindir, his long-awaited debut since a deadline day transfer from Fenerbahce.
“We are very happy with our goalkeeper group: Andre, Altay, Tom [Heaton],” said Ten Hag. “As a group they do really well, they have good performances and they have to push each other.” He continued, “We are very pleased with Altay. If he works well, if he keeps his progress, he will get his chances and he has to take this.”
Onana has played every game so far this campaign, but could miss matches in the new year if selected for the Africa Cup of Nations with Cameroon. This could open the door finally for number two, Bayindir, to stand between the sticks. This is why it is pertinent for Ten Hag to immediately give him minutes in matchday fixtures to get him acquainted with the action beforehand.
Jude Obafemi is a versatile senior Correspondent at THEWILL Newspapers, excelling in sourcing, researching, and delivering sports news stories for both print and digital publications.
