"Today he was our hero" - Amorim hails Altay Bayindir for his showing in Manchester United's penalty shootout win against Arsenal
Manchester United coach Ruben Amorim has hailed goalkeeper Altay Bayindir for his impressive display in his side's FA Cup win over Arsenal at the Emirates on Sunday, January 12. The Red Devils overcame the Gunners on penalties to secure a place in the fourth round of the competition.
Bayindir was making only his second FA Cup appearance since joining the Red Devils from Fenerbahce in the summer of 2023 as backup for Andre Onana. The Turkiye international earned his stripes with a stunning performance in which he saved two penalties to help United get over the line.
Head coach Amorim was beyond pleased with the 26-year-old's display, referring to him as his side's "hero" after the win over Arsenal. The Portuguese tactician also stated that Bayindir erased the fans' doubts, which emerged after the Carabao Cup defeat to Tottenham Hotspur last month.
“Against Tottenham everyone was pointing the finger at Altay. Today he was our hero,” Amorim said.
Altay Bayindir was heavily criticized after his side's 4-3 defeat to Tottenham in the Carabao Cup quarterfinal in December after he conceded directly from a corner-kick by Heung-min Son. The shot-stopper, however, showed his class by becoming the first Premier League goalkeeper on record to save a penalty in regulation time and the shootout of the same FA Cup game.
Bayindir finished the game with six saves and two penalty saves against Martin Odegaard and Kai Havertz to get his side over the line. The Turkish goalkeeper has enjoyed the trust of Amorim, who has handed him four appearances this season, as opposed to the sole appearance he made under Erik ten Hag in the 2023-24 season.
Ten-man Manchester United overcome Arsenal in FA Cup clash
Ten-man Manchester United defeated rivals Arsenal to progress to the fourth round of the FA Cup. The cup holders claimed a 5-3 penalty shootout win, as the game ended in a 1-1 draw after extra-time.
Bruno Fernandes opened the scoring for Manchester United in the 52nd minute before Diogo Dalot received his marching orders nine minutes later. Mikel Arteta's Arsenal found a leveller in the 63rd minute through defender Gabriel Magalhaes, as they made use of their extra man.
Defensive resilience from the Red Devils' rearguard, as well as goalkeeping brilliance from Altay Bayindir, kept the scores level. The game went to a shootout, where the Turkish goalkeeper denied Kai Havertz from 12 yards to help his side secure victory. Manchester United will now face Leicester City in the fourth round of the competition at Old Trafford.
