Bayindir proud to make United bow

The goalkeeper, a summer signing from Fenerbahce, came into the side for our victorious FA Cup tie, with fellow shot-stopper Andre Onana not back from international duty with Cameroon at the Africa Cup of Nations.

Altay made an impression on his introduction to the side, making some decent stops – notably right at the death with a full-stretch save to deny James Waite – as United advanced to the fifth round of the competition with a 4-2 triumph at Rodney Parade.

The 25-year-old spoke with MUTV afterwards, discussing his emotions after pulling on the famous United shirt for the first time in a competitive fixture.

“I was playing my first game, I’m feeling very good because it’s a big club in the world and we have a big fan[base], everyone coming [to] every game, everyone supporting us,” said a delighted Bayindir.

“I’m feeling very good. Tomorrow, I will continue in the morning. Today is finished and we won today, we are very happy, but we have the next game and we need to be focused for every game, because every game is important for us, everyone wants to win because they know they are playing with Manchester United – it’s a big club in the world.”

As always, there was a sizeable travelling United contingent following the Reds in South Wales – and Altay was particularly enamoured by our fans, both inside the stadium and further afield, after his first appearance for the club.

“We are so happy tonight and I need to say I’m feeling special today because I was playing [as] the first Turkish player [for Man Utd] and I’m feeling very proud of myself. I will continue tomorrow.”

Manager Erik ten Hag confirmed that fellow goalkeeper Onana will return to contention for our next outing – away at Wolves in the Premier League on Thursday night – during his post-match press conference in South Wales.

Bayindir is keen to play more games for the Reds, but stressed there is a strong bond among United’s goalkeeping union – as he challenges with Onana, Tom Heaton and co in pursuit of a place in between the sticks.

“Of course, I always want to play more games, but we have a good relationship with all the goalkeepers,” he continued.

“If the manager will give [us a] chance, we will play and we will give everything. We know our responsibility because we are playing in a big club, we need to give [our all] every day, every game, we need everything.

“Of course, I want to play with this great team, this great atmosphere, and in Old Trafford. I want to play in there with the fans.”