Manchester United manager Ruben Amorim has expressed optimism that goalkeeper Altay Bayindir can embody the qualities of former club legend Edwin van der Sar during the upcoming Manchester derby against Manchester City, set for Sunday, September 14, on Sky Sports. Despite the deadline-day arrival of Senne Lammens from Royal Antwerp, Amorim confirmed Bayindir will retain his starting position, citing the need to establish stability and ensure players thrive under the club’s new identity.
Bayindir, 27, has faced scrutiny this season after conceding Arsenal’s only goal in their 1-0 victory at Old Trafford, despite United’s dominance in the match. His performance against Burnley also drew criticism when he parried the ball into the path of Jaidon Anthony, contributing to the Toffees’ second goal. However, Amorim emphasized that such moments are part of the learning curve for players adapting to the pressures of a top-tier club.
"It's not just the pressure of Manchester United, but it's a different club," Amorim said. "We are building stability to make new players better. If you look back, this club had a strong base with players like Roy Keane and Gary Neville, but even world-class talents like Veron struggled. Edwin van der Sar was a game-changer, and I hope Bayindir can be that for us this week."
The manager also explained the rationale behind sending Andre Onana on loan to Trabzonspor, noting that the decision was driven by the need to refresh the squad and create a more supportive environment for young goalkeepers. "Onana showed in Inter he’s a top goalkeeper, but sometimes things don’t align in certain environments. We felt it was the right time to make a change," Amorim added.
Amorim highlighted the club’s recent transfer activity as a key factor in his vision for the team’s future. United’s summer spending reached £232.4m, with signings like Bryan Mbeumo, Matheus Cunha, and Benjamin Sesko bolstering the squad. Meanwhile, departures including Marcus Rashford, Rasmus Hojlund, and Jadon Sancho have reshaped the roster. The manager believes these moves, combined with the lessons from last season’s Europa League final loss, have created a stronger foundation for development.
With the derby serving as a critical test, Amorim is focused on nurturing Bayindir’s growth. "We will help the goalkeepers improve, and this week I hope to see him perform at the level of Van der Sar," he said. "But in the future, they’ll have to earn their place through competition and consistency."
As the match approaches, fans will be watching closely to see if Bayindir can rise to the occasion and deliver a defining moment for his career at Old Trafford. The club’s new strategy of fostering stability and long-term potential appears to be taking shape, even as high-profile exits and arrivals continue to redefine its landscape.
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