18 January 2024 , 22:33
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Altay Bayindir has admitted he is "positive" at Manchester United, despite not making a single appearance since his move from Fenerbahce in the summer.
The 25-year-old joined the Red Devils for £4.3million on deadline day to provide back-up for Andre Onana. Bayindir's arrival came a day after Dean Henderson left the club to join Crystal Palace on a permanent deal, with Tom Heaton the only other senior goalkeeper at Old Trafford.
However, unlike last season when Erik ten Hag decided to rest David de Gea for the early rounds of the Carabao Cup, the Dutchman has decided to stick with his No.1 for EVERY match this season. Onana has started in each of United's 30 matches in all competitions, leaving second-choice Bayindir without playing a single minute.
With Onana away at the African Cup of Nations, Bayindir could be finally be handed his United debut during their FA Cup fourth round tie against Newport. It's unknown whether Onana will be available for the match due to Cameroon's participation at ACFON, but if he does miss out, Bayindir might be drafted in.
Speaking to the club's website on the goalkeeper situation at Old Trafford, Bayindir said: "We have good team-mates and everyone is positive every day. That's the most important thing for us.
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"All the goalkeepers, their character is very nice. We are always positive. Of course, we are fighting [to be] on the pitch, because everyone wants to play with the team in the stadium.
"But we have a good energy. It doesn’t matter who is playing, because we will, of course, support them every time. Team spirit is very important, you know? If we are doing this, we can be successful in the game, it’s very important. I think if we're always doing that, we can always go up."
Altay Bayindir has not made an appearance for Manchester United yet (Getty Images)Although Bayindir is eager to get his first United appearance under his best, he has been pleased to form a close bond with the rest of the goalkeepers at the club. "We have very good communication, because we know this is very important for us," he added.
"We are fighting [to be the best] in the training and when we are going outside, we are best friends. We have a very good energy because, I already said this, it's very important. Team, spirit, soul. But everyone I think inside has a clear heart. It's not about just goalkeepers. All players have good heart and we are fighting for this great family always.
"Our position is a little bit different and difficult for us. But if you are doing well, everyone is OK. We are friendly, we are always positive. Everyone wants to play.
"When we are going out for dinner, we are always together. It’s very good. We will continue with this feeling because we are a very big family."