Since Andre Onana is now away at the AFCON, Altay Bayindir, who has not yet played for Man United since his transfer, may soon be in line for his first start.
According to Gary Neville, the goalie position at Manchester United is the most closely watched in English sports. As he gets ready to temporarily take over at Old Trafford after joining for £47 million from Inter Milan this summer, Andre Onana could well agree with the TV analyst on that point.
On the other hand, United could have eased their own transition. After letting long-serving David De Gea depart this summer, Erik ten Hag completely redesigned his goalkeeping lineup.
With Altay Bayindir, a summer arrival, and Academy graduate Tom Heaton backing up the Cameroonian international, Onana was brought in as the number one player. With Onana absent due to AFCON duties, Ten Hag needs to choose a replacement for him in between the posts.
His trip to the Ivory Coast was delayed, and it took a diversion due to his appearance in the Sunday afternoon Tottenham match. This was due to the difficulty United has placed on covering him. Since Onana has played every minute of the season for the team, his two deputies are feeling worn out.
Owing to their scheduled winter vacation and Onana’s unplanned trip to the AFCON showcase, United may only be without their starting striker for two to four games, depending on how Cameroon performs. That includes their next game on Sunday, January 29, in the FA Cup’s fourth round.
In that TV meeting, Newport and non-league Eastleigh will square off once more for the opportunity to play United. In regards to those two clubs, if all goes according to plan for Bayindir, that could be the perfect way for him to start playing in England.
After making a summer transfer, the former Fenerbahce stopper is yet to make his debut. Though United had the opportunity, Ten Hag chose to play Onana in Carabao Cup games during the early season as well as the FA Cup third round in order to hone his confidence in goal.
On the one hand, Onana needs the publicity because he hasn’t had an easy ride. In fact, it was far from that, but his backup needed playing time just as much, so benching him increased the pressure in a position that is already closely watched and not for the weak.
When questioned about his goalkeepers in October, Ten Hag responded, “We chose to play Andre [Onana] in the League Cup because he [Bayindir] has to adapt to the England standard.” “But it’s also evident that Altay must advance. We’re incredibly pleased with it because he’s made a great impression in training and is definitely progressing. We are certain that the two goalkeepers we have in the squad can win the game for us.”
On the other hand, that specific job is anything but easy. While defending the team’s choice to start Onana in place of De Gea, former United captain and current pundit Neville stated, “I’ve said it before, Manchester United custodian is the toughest position in Premier League football.”
Neville went on, “Some people will disagree with me and think it’s bias.” But as United’s custodian, you are scrutinised more than any other player in English football.
I’m sure Onana would attest to that. Although Bayindir was always going to be scrutinised as well, even as a No. 1 stand-in as AFCON went on, delaying his debut has made it more difficult for the goalie to disregard Neville’s idea.
