Manchester United advanced to the fourth round of the FA Cup after defeating Arsenal, thanks to Altay Bayindir’s outstanding performance in the penalty shootout.
Bayindir made history by breaking a 10-year record with his penalty saves, denying Martin Odegaard during regular time and stopping Kai Havertz in the shootout.
After the match, Bruno Fernandes and Ruben Amorim praised Bayindir’s efforts. Bayindir’s impressive display may have revived his United career, which seemed uncertain earlier this season.
Bayindir Turns His Fortunes Around
Bayindir had faced heavy criticism after a poor showing against Tottenham in the Carabao Cup, which many thought would be his final appearance for United. But Amorim showed confidence in his second-choice goalkeeper, and Bayindir rewarded him with a top-notch performance.
His heroics weren’t a fluke. Behind the scenes, Bayindir has been working tirelessly to improve and prepare for such moments.
Bayindir’s Limited Role Last Season
Altay Bayindir joined Manchester United in 2023 for £4.3 million but had to wait until the Arsenal match to make a lasting impression on fans.
Brought in as a backup to Andre Onana, Bayindir rarely played under Erik ten Hag, who preferred Onana even in cup matches. In the 2023/24 season, Bayindir only featured in one game—a fourth-round FA Cup win over Newport County.
Although ten Hag had promised Altay more opportunities in cup games, it is Amorim who has finally given him the chance to prove himself this season.
Communication Barriers Affected Bayindir’s Role
Journalist Carl Anka shed light on Bayindir’s struggles last season during the Talk of the Devils podcast. Anka revealed that Bayindir’s limited confidence in speaking English made it difficult for him to communicate effectively with his backline, a crucial skill for goalkeepers.
Bayindir Improves Communication Skills
Recognizing the importance of communication in football, Bayindir worked hard to improve his English since joining United.
Just before the Arsenal game, Amorim spoke about the value of speaking multiple languages in football, especially with diverse dressing rooms. His own strong communication skills have been widely praised, and Bayindir is following his example.
After his stellar performance against Arsenal, Bayindir confidently answered questions in fluent English, showing significant progress since 2023.
Amorim spoke highly of his players after the game, saying, “Every day he talks with us and helps us. We love him, and he always tries his best.”
