Why Altay Bayindir should make his debut vs Wigan Athletic in FA Cup

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Altay Bayindir is yet to make his Man United debut, with an FA Cup game against Wigan delivering the perfect opportunity.

We have to be honest about the situation. Manchester United’s best hope in the Premier League is a top four finish. The Reds’ European campaign is over, while the Carabao Cup will not be successfully defended.

Wigan Athletic is the first hurdle United will have to overcome. The DW Stadium will be packed with 10,000 Reds cheering their team on in hope of safe progression.

January is going to be an intriguing month. Andre Onana is headed to AFCON, meaning Altay Bayindir is in line to be given his first opportunity.

He’s not set to depart for another week or so, meaning Onana could technically play against Latics in the cup. However, that doesn’t feel like the wisest decision.

It’s the perfect opportunity for the 25-year-old Bayindir to make his debut, easing him into the side before a massive game against Tottnenham Hotspur in the Premier League.

By all accounts, Bayindir is playing well in training. It’s just that Erik ten Hag has remained loyal to Onana in spite of his European struggles.

The man from Turkey is no doubt chomping at the bit, though bringing him in slowly against Wigan feels like a nice opportunity to settle in the ex-Fenerbahce man.

Supposedly, Bayindir is good with the ball at feet and a more than adequate shot-stopper. Onana, who sees him every day in training, had to think hard about heading off to AFCON due to the fact the man from Cameroon could be worried about losing his job on a permanent basis.

From a fans’ standpoint, I’m intrigued to see how Bayindir will get on. I reckon he’s going to be a high level back-up, purely due to the fact that United have actually been pretty good at identifying and signing goalkeepers in the post-Sir Alex Ferguson era. Sergio Romero was ever-reliable, while Tom Heaton has never let us down despite limited appearances.

Bayindir has played in the highest pressure situations over in Turkey. Istanbul derbies are as fierce as they come so no atmosphere in world football will phase the shot-stopper. If he can remain calm under pressure, play without fear and endear himself to the Old Trafford Faithful, then Onana may be forced to sit on the bench in the long-term.

Do you think Altay Bayindir will make his debut vs Wigan Athletic in the FA Cup? Let us know your thoughts in the comment box below.

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About Jordan Street 19808 Articles
Mancunian. Red through and through. Season Ticket holder block E332.

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