Manchester United’s Goalkeeping Crisis: Altay Bayindir’s Future in Doubt Amid Onana’s Struggles
Manchester United’s persistent struggles in the goalkeeping department were once again laid bare during Sunday’s disappointing outing, with André Onana enduring yet another underwhelming performance. The Cameroonian shot-stopper found himself under scrutiny after being at fault for Crystal Palace’s opening goal, adding to a growing list of costly errors since his arrival at Old Trafford. While Onana was initially signed as the long-term successor to David de Gea, his inconsistent displays have raised serious questions about his reliability in United’s goal.
Despite Onana’s struggles, United’s backup goalkeeper, Altay Bayindir, has found first-team opportunities extremely limited. Since his arrival from Fenerbahçe, the Turkish international has been forced to watch from the sidelines for much of the season. While he recently made his Europa League debut in a clash against Rangers, he has yet to feature in a single Premier League match. Given Onana’s erratic form, many fans have questioned why Bayindir has not been given a more prominent role in the squad.
Under former manager Erik ten Hag, Bayindir struggled to make an impression, with the Dutch coach opting to persist with Onana despite his glaring mistakes. However, since the appointment of Ruben Amorim, there has been a shift in approach. Amorim has shown a greater willingness to integrate the 26-year-old into his plans, offering him more game time in cup competitions. So far, Bayindir has been handed four starts, including a standout performance in the FA Cup clash against Arsenal, where he made a series of crucial penalty saves to help United advance.
Despite these sporadic opportunities, Bayindir is reportedly growing frustrated with his limited role at Old Trafford. According to Turkish outlet Star, the goalkeeper is eager to leave Manchester United and return to Turkey, where he hopes to secure regular playing time. His primary motivation is to cement his place as the national team’s first-choice goalkeeper, a goal that appears increasingly difficult to achieve while being a backup in the Premier League.
One club that has emerged as a potential destination for Bayindir is Galatasaray. The Turkish giants are preparing for the possible departure of their veteran goalkeeper, Fernando Muslera, at the end of the season. With the Uruguayan’s future uncertain, Galatasaray have reportedly identified Bayindir as an ideal replacement. Sources close to the club suggest that negotiations have already begun, with Bayindir’s camp in talks with multiple Süper Lig teams, though Galatasaray remains the frontrunner.
“Following Muslera’s indication that he may depart next season, Galatasaray has begun searching for a new goalkeeper. They have already initiated efforts to secure the services of the national team’s goalkeeper,” Star reported.
While Bayindir’s future at United remains uncertain, his fate could ultimately depend on Amorim’s long-term vision for the goalkeeping department. The Portuguese manager may opt to continue with Onana despite his struggles, or he could hand Bayindir a more significant role moving forward. However, United have also been linked with a potential summer move for Borussia Dortmund’s Gregor Kobel, a highly regarded goalkeeper who could immediately challenge for the starting position. Additionally, Amorim is reportedly impressed with academy prospect Elyh Harrison, further complicating Bayindir’s prospects at Old Trafford.
If United were to bring in another goalkeeper, Bayindir’s chances of breaking into the first team would diminish even further. Many believe he is too talented to remain a backup, and with his contract running until 2027, United could demand a significant transfer fee for his services. The Turkish shot-stopper is currently valued at around €10 million, but with growing interest in him, the Red Devils could receive multiple offers that drive up his price.
For now, Bayindir’s situation remains in limbo. He must wait to see whether Amorim will entrust him with more opportunities or whether United will bring in further competition for the number-one spot. With Galatasaray and other Turkish clubs closely monitoring the situation, the coming months could be decisive in determining whether Bayindir’s time in Engl
and is cut short.