Manchester United’s second-choice goalkeeper, Altay Bayindir, is reportedly poised to remain at the club following his impressive performance against Arsenal on Sunday.

Since his £4.3 million transfer in the summer of 2023, Bayindir has struggled to secure playing time, primarily because Andre Onana has been the clear first-choice goalkeeper. This has limited Bayindir’s appearances to a few Carabao Cup matches and a single FA Cup outing last weekend.

However, the Turkish international emerged as a hero in the match at the Emirates, helping United eliminate Arsenal in a penalty shootout to advance to the fourth round, where they will face Leicester City, managed by Ruud van Nistelrooy.

Bayindir faced scrutiny in December after conceding a goal directly from Son Heung-Min’s corner in a heartbreaking 4-3 loss to Tottenham in the Carabao Cup quarter-finals. Yet, just a month later, following the match against Arsenal, Ruben Amorim hailed him as “our hero” for his outstanding performance.

The 26-year-old made a crucial save from Martin Ødegaard’s penalty in the 72nd minute, shifting the game’s momentum in favor of United. He also delivered several key stops that led to extra time and ultimately a penalty shootout, where he denied Kai Havertz, marking the only miss among the nine penalties taken.

There had been speculation that Bayindir might seek a move away from United during the ongoing winter transfer window in search of more first-team opportunities. Some reports suggested that Amorim was not fully convinced by him and considered bringing in a new backup for Onana.

However, it now seems Bayindir will stay at Old Trafford beyond this month. According to The Daily Mail, “There was a possibility that Bayindir could have left United in search of more first-team football this month, but that now seems unlikely to happen.”

“He will be retained to provide competition for United’s No. 1, Andre Onana.”

Meanwhile, United will return to Premier League action on Sunday, hosting Southampton.