Erik ten Hag is gearing up his squad for a second-half surge in the Premier League. The FA Cup is another target of the Dutchman. Manchester United’s early exit from the Champions League has left the Red Devils with only two remaining competitions to contend for.
The English giants will have to field their best lineup to win a trophy this season. Confirmation has now come that Altay Bayindir will start for Ten Hag‘s men against Newport County.
Altay Bayindir Set to Start in FA Cup
Report from United’s Closed-Door Practice Match
Samuel Luckhurst and Tyrone Marshall stated in an article they wrote for The Manchester Evening News that “Manchester United played a behind-closed-doors match against Burnley this week.” The fixture was held as the Red Devils have not had a competitive fixture for two weeks. They play fourth-division Newport County in the FA Cup on Sunday.
It is believed that the match, which Burnley won 3-1, happened on Wednesday. Ten Hag opted to utilise players who have had their playing time limited so far this campaign. One such player was Bayindir. The Turkish goalkeeper, who arrived this summer from Fenerbache, has not featured this campaign despite rumours he might contend with Andre Onana for the starting role.
Luckhurst and Marshall noted that “Bayindir is expected to make his United bow away at Newport County in the FA Cup fourth round.” The 25-year-old made nearly 150 appearances with Fenerbache before joining the Red Devils. He won the 2022/23 Turkish Cup, helping his club end an over ten-year drought in the tournament.
According to the report: “Eight of the 15 players involved for United that day had never played for the first team.” Vincent Kompany elected to use his best players for the match. The “world-class” keeper is eager to prove his skills to Ten Hag and United supporters. He will get that chance on Sunday.
United Confirm Altay Bayindir Start
The Red Devils’ official website stated on Friday that “Altay Bayindir will start in goal and make his debut.” It is a big moment for the summer transfer. Onana’s AFCON campaign with Cameroon, cut short by Nigeria in the knockout stages, is a vital factor in the Turkish keepers’ first-ever appearance under Ten Hag.
A start for Bayindir was confirmed, while Johnny Evans and Marcus Rashford are doubtful due to illnesses they picked up. The update further mentioned that “Harry Maguire, Lisandro Martinez, Luke Shaw and Casemiro are set to be available.”