When Altay Bayindir gave up a direct from Son Heung-Min’s 88th-minute corner in Manchester United’s heartbreaking 4-3 Carabao Cup quarterfinal loss to Tottenham in December, he became the target of mockery.
However, after just one month and one game, manager Ruben Amorim called him “our hero” after the 26-year-old played a pivotal role in his team’s FA Cup third-round victory over Arsenal on penalties following a 1-1 draw.
Since joining United in September 2023 for a cost of £4.3 million from Fenerbahce, the Turkey international has only played in cup competitions; he has played in the FA Cup and the Carabao Cup this season.
“There are cycles and moments in your life as a football player,” United manager Amorim acknowledged.
“With Altay, you may observe how your life can transform in a matter of weeks. Altay was our hero today, and I know that everyone was biting their fingers for him against Tottenham.
“He works hard, is a good man, and there are lovely things in life.
“Everyone on this team is fortunate to be playing for Manchester United, and they all have opportunities. Playing for our team is always enjoyable, regardless of how many games you play—one or ninety.”
The game’s momentum was altered in the 72nd minute by Bayindir’s spectacular save in the corner to deny Martin Odegaard’s penalty. With an extra man advantage, Arsenal would have been ahead 2-1 at that point.
Motivated by that, United displayed defensive fortitude to force a penalty shootout, in which Bayindir once more used his 6′ 6″ height to block a low attempt from Kai Havertz, the only missed of the nine attempted.
With those saves, he became the first Premier League goalie to save a penalty in both normal time and a penalty shootout in the same game (since the 2013–14 season).
Bayindir, who was later named player of the match, stated that all he wanted was “to help this great team”.
“I want this fantastic club to be pleasant for everyone. “I work here every day,” he continued.
“It makes no difference if you are not playing. Every minute of every second, you must be prepared. A Manchester United player must constantly be prepared.
Alan Shearer, a former England striker, described the goalie as “absolutely outstanding” during BBC’s Match of the Day coverage.
“He holds his nerve, he doesn’t blink first,” he stated. “When you get given an opportunity, you have to take it and he took it today.”
“It’s a big moment for him, the first penalty and another save here and we are really happy for him,” said Bruno Fernandes, captain of United, whose excellent early goal was negated by Gabriel’s score for Arsenal.
“Being the second goalie is difficult. He came here to play, and he deserves this opportunity because he is always open to everyone, top class for us, and top class in training.”