The main culprit on the night was Andre Onana, with the goalkeeper culpable for all three goals conceded by United in Istanbul.

After a string of unimpressive displays at the start of his United career in the Premier League, the former Ajax star seemed to be rediscovering his touch before disaster struck at RAMS Park.

Onana’s struggles

He was also at fault against Bayern Munich and the Turkish giants during the reverse fixture and his mistakes in Europe have potentially cost the Red Devils a place in the knockout round.

The Cameroonian is aware that pressure is building on manager Erik ten Hag regarding his continued selection in the first XI. For now, the United No 1 retains the trust of the manager.

The Dutchman has also hinted at game-time for backup keeper Altay Bayindir and with Onana set to participate in the upcoming Africa Cup of Nations, it offers a route into the first team to the Turkish international.

Coaches at Carrington have been impressed with the former Fenerbahce star and Onana is aware that Bayindir has the potential to usurp him from his spot for the long term.

As reported by The Peoples Person, the 27-year-old is even contemplating not going for the AFCON in January which will see him miss up to six games.

Temporary FIFA ban

However, as noted by The Sun, a little-known FIFA rule states that if a player rejects the chance to represent his national team, he will be banned from representing his club for the duration of the international tournament.

The FIFA rule reads: “A player who has been called up by his association for one of its representative teams is, unless otherwise agreed by the relevant association, not entitled to play for the club with which he is registered during the period for which he has been released or should have been released pursuant to the provisions of this annex, plus an additional period of five days.”

With the AFCON running from January 13 to February 11, Onana’s hopes of saving his club career could be ruined either way.

If his form does not improve in the interim period, he could lose his spot much earlier than January. December is full of crucial fixtures and the Cameroon international will need to prove his critics wrong.

The post Andre Onana’s potential AFCON snub could see little-know FIFA rule get enforced appeared first on Man United News And Transfer News | The Peoples Person.

Manchester United made major changes to their goalkeeping department this summer with the shake-up seeing both incomings and outgoings to the key position to the club.

The long-standing keeper David de Gea was replaced by Andre Onana in the number one spot with Altay Bayindir coming in as his number two.

However, Bayindir’s dream move to United almost failed to come to fruition due to the stopper’s loyalty to former club Fenerbahce.

As reported by Sport Witness, Bayindir’s agent Sefa Seyrek has explained the 25-year-old had the opportunity to move to United on a free transfer but signed a contract with Fenerbahce to ensure they received a fee for his services.

“Manchester United contacted me before the European Championship in 2020 and during the period when Fenerbahçe was going to the championship,” Seyrek said.

“Their next interest was at the end of 2022, during the transfer period of January. Manchester United came to me again. We did not have a contract at that time. It was Altay’s last year. He could leave Fenerbahçe without making any money. He could sign in January.”

The agent went on to praise Bayindir for his character and says he took a huge risk, with his respect for Fenerbahce putting his move to Manchester in jeopardy.

“Altay is a player with a clear character. He requested that I meet directly with the Fenerbahçe President. He said: ‘I want to leave my club by making money’.

“He took such a risk at the expense of losing Manchester United. Altay was transferred for €7m. Normally, he could have put this directly into his own pocket, but he wanted to leave by making money,” he said.

Bayindir eventually sealed his move and is hoping to leave his mark at Old Trafford.

The Turkish ‘keeper is yet to make his debut for United but is almost certain for game time in the coming months with Onana off to the African Cup of Nations.

Despite having to be patient since his move, Bayindir continues to impress for his national side and Erik ten Hag will be confident he can handle the pressure of stepping into the spotlight at Old Trafford.

The post Altay Bayindir nearly missed out on his move to Manchester United this summer appeared first on Man United News And Transfer News | The Peoples Person.

The three-time winners will have to depend on other results going their way after they squandered a two-goal lead in Istanbul on Wednesday.

Goalkeeper Andre Onana was culpable for all three goals conceded on the night and his errors have potentially cost United a spot in the Round of 16.

Onana’s woes

Pressure is being heaped on manager Erik ten Hag to drop the underperforming Cameroonian and opt for backup keeper Altay Bayindir instead.

The Turk has impressed the manager and the coaches at Carrington. Brought in for his superior distribution skills, the former Inter Milan star is fluffing his lines when it comes to his main job — protecting the goal.

His immediate future at club level has been further complicated by his supposed participation in the Africa Cup of Nations early next year.

The tournament will run from January 13 to February 11 and could see Onana missing up to six games.

And the United No 1 is aware that representing his country could mean he forsakes his spot as a starter with the Turkish backup ready to usurp him.

The Sun have now claimed that the 27-year-old shot-stopper is contemplating pulling out to protect his spot in the United team.

AFCON confusion

“Goalkeeper Andre Onana could pull out of the African Cup of Nations to protect his Manchester United number one spot.

“With Turkish goalkeeper Altay Bayindir waiting in the wings having signed for the United in the summer, Onana fears he might lose his place long term.”

For now, Ten Hag trusts his former Ajax protege but if his form continues to waver, he might lose his No 1 spot to the former Fenerbahce star before AFCON stars.

Onana has a lot to ponder in the coming weeks and will need to show he is capable of riding out the storm by proving himself out on the pitch.

The post Andre Onana contemplating pulling out from AFCON to save his Man United career appeared first on Man United News And Transfer News | The Peoples Person.

The visiting side were let down by goalkeeper Andre Onana, who was culpable for all three goals conceded on the night in what was yet another horror show in Europe.

The Cameroonian was at fault during the opening game against Bayern Munich and now at RAMS Park. He has also been culpable for more than a few soft goals in the Premier League.

Onana’s horror show

After a penalty save against Copenhagen, the 27-year-old was supposed to be rediscovering his form before disaster struck in Istanbul.

Once again, Erik ten Hag will be questioned for bringing in the shot-stopper from Inter Milan in David de Gea’s stead and calls will also grow for the keeper to be dropped.

There have been positive reports emanating from Carrington citing backup keeper Altay Bayindir’s pedigree and how the manager should trust the Turk for a few games.

But ESPN have now cited sources saying Ten Hag is not going to drop Onana as he trusts him and considers that the pros of having the Cameroon international in goal far outweigh the cons.

The Dutch boss is a big fan of the United No 1’s distribution ability with his feet and considers it crucial for his team’s style of play.

Onana was also credited for his great pass which ultimately led to Alejandro Garnacho’s opener against Galatasaray.

“Manchester United boss Erik ten Hag will continue to back André Onana as his first-choice goalkeeper and still believes it was the right decision to bring him in after the departure of David De Gea last summer, a source has told ESPN.

Onana retains ETH’s trust

“According to a source, Ten Hag believes the £43 million summer signing from Inter Milan will turn things around.

“A source has told ESPN that Ten Hag is likely to keep faith with Onana for the Premier League trip to Newcastle on Saturday, unless the stopper makes it clear he wants to be taken out of the firing line.”

Bayindir will have to bide his time for now and fans will hope Onana will continue his Premier League form on Saturday when United take on Newcastle United.

The Red Devils have not conceded for over 300 minutes now and Onana has played a major role in that. Hopefully, he does not let the memories of Wednesday linger too long in his mind.

The post Erik ten Hag confident that Andre Onana can turn things around appeared first on Man United News And Transfer News | The Peoples Person.

Manchester United’s future in Europe’s premier competition hangs by the thinnest of threads following the calamitous 3-3 draw with Galatasaray in Turkey. 

United twice led by two goals – first 2-0 and then 3-1 – only to squander both leads. A two goal advantage is often called the most dangerous lead in football and Ten Hag’s team tried their very best to prove this old adage true yesterday.

Or, rather, Ten Hag’s goalkeeper did.

Andre Onana gifted Galatasaray two goals at points in the game when his team were cruising through an inexplicable combination of errors.

United took an early lead through the irrepressible Alejandro Garnacho, who rifled home a vicious finish with his weaker foot from a tight angle. This was quickly followed by an equally emphatic rocked from Bruno Fernandes’ right boot, putting United in the oh so dangerous position of two-nil up.

A free-kick was then conceded which Hakim Ziyech, formerly of Chelsea, proceeded to hopefully hit through a flagrant gap in United’s wall. Onana took a misstep to his left and the ball went to his right; the Cameroonian stumbling slightly as the ball sailed past him in what should have been a routine save.

The remainder of the first-half became frantic and pressurised as the home team (and fans) were reignited, after United’s excellent performance had largely blunted them.

Ten Hag’s team began the second half in improved fashion with Scott McTominay adroitly finishing off a brilliant team move, largely spearheaded by the right-hand side combination of Antony and Aaron Wan-Bissaka. United, once again, looked in control with a cushion of two goals.

Enter Mr Onana.

Another free-kick was conceded but this time further out. Yet Onana still managed to convert a simple catch from an overhit cross into a goal for the opposition. Arguably, the goalkeeper should have been presented with the Man of the Match award for the home team at full time.

With Galatasaray back in proceedings, against the run of play, for the second time, United began to tire while their opponents found new energy. Shortly after, an equaliser was found through a scorching shot by Muhammed Aktürkoğlu. Even for this one questions were asked of Onana’s positioning, though this pales in comparison as an error to the previous two goals.

United were unable to find a winner as the game reached a frantic denouement, though they had the chances to secure the desperately needed three points. While a draw does not rule out qualification to the knock-out stages, it makes it feel a starkly remote possibility, with United needing both to beat Bayern and for Galatasaray and FC Copenhagen to draw.

An away trip to the hostile RAMS Stadium is difficult at the best of times; it becomes near-impossible when your goalkeeper switches allegiance to make the game a 10 v 12 man match.

After the game, Ten Hag refused to blame Onana directly, instead referring to the collective defensive mistakes involved in each goal. This was nothing more than a manager protecting their player, however, with fans and the media baying for blood in last night’s aftermath.

Nonetheless, the Dutchman did offer fans some potential respite, with the calls for Bayindir to start the next game overwhelming on social media.

Ten Hag said:

“…we are very pleased with Altay, he gets used to the Premier League, he gets used to European football – which is tough when you’re coming from Turkey. But we are very pleased with that process, he’s doing very well.

“He has to be patient, but if he works well, if he keeps his progress, he will get his chances and then he has to take this.”

With Onana looking increasingly likely to depart for the African Cup of Nations in January, Bayindir was always pencilled in to take the starting berth in goal for United at some point.

If Onana’s performances last night continue, Bayindir may get his chance at the number one slot far earlier than January.

The post Erik ten Hag says Altay Bayindir will “get his chances” appeared first on Man United News And Transfer News | The Peoples Person.

The entire squad has been hampered by injuries with the recent international break seeing goalkeeper Andre Onana added to the list after he sustained an injury to the pubis.

The United No 1 was forced to withdraw from his nation’s World Cup qualifier against Libya in Benghazi as he returned to Carrington to undergo further tests.

Bayindir earning praise

It will be intriguing to see whether the Cameroonian recovers in time for Sunday’s all-important Premier League clash against Everton.

United do have Altay Bayindir, signed in the summer from Fenerbahce, waiting in the wings with Onana even claiming the Turk is the best backup keeper he has worked with.

The Turkish international is said to have impressed United’s coaches a lot and they feel he is ready to make his debut for the 20-time English league champions.

Interestingly, there is even fear among Onana’s camp that the 25-year-old could even usurp the Cameroon international if he does get an extended runout in the first team.

Bayindir, who joined for €5 million, is champing at the bit to make his United debut, but as per Turkish outlet Fotomac, he could be about to end his United stay after only a year.

The Turkish shot-stopper is said to be unhappy with the lack of minutes and Galatasaray are interested in signing him if long-serving Fernando Muslera’s form dips this season.

Galatasaray after Bayindir

The Uruguayan’s contract ends next summer and Bayindir is among the alternatives being looked at.

“The contract of Fernando Muslera, who has been working in the yellow-red club for years and won numerous trophies, expires at the end of the season. if his performance levels drop, alternative names will be taken into consideration.

“One of them is Fenerbahçe ‘s former goalkeeper Altay Bayındır. It is estimated that the national keeper, who is behind Andre Onana at Manchester United and has not had any chances so far, will be receptive to a possible offer from the yellow-reds.”

After identifying the player as a reliable keeper, United should not discard Bayindir so quickly. Judging by reports emerging from United, he has an extremely bright future ahead of him and it should be at Old Trafford.

The post Galatasaray plotting shock summer deal for Man United backup keeper Altay Bayindir appeared first on Man United News And Transfer News | The Peoples Person.

Bayindir who was sensational against Germany a few days ago, was very good once more, this time against Wales in Türkiye’s final UEFA EURO Qualifiers clash.

The United star only played 57 minutes as he had to come on from the bench to replace Uğurcan Çakır.

Neco Williams gave Wales an early opening goal just seven minutes into the game. However, an equalizer just 20 minutes before the final whistle ensured Türkiye got a share of the spoils.

During the time he was on the pitch, Bayindir technically registered a clean sheet as it was not him who was in goal when Wales conceded.

The United shot-stopper made three crucial saves to keep his side in the game.

He registered a decent 22 touches of the ball and a 75% pass completion rate.

Out of the five long balls he attempted, Bayindir only succeeded in finding his target on one occasion.

(Stats obtained from Sofascore)

Montella was full of praise for the 25-year-old whose contributions have been vital for Türkiye in the November international break.

He said about Bayindir, “Altay is a very young goalkeeper. He showed once again how good a goalkeeper he is in the match against Germany.”

“I am sure that he will be able to play for their team as well. Despite his young age, he has experience.”

“When he gets the opportunity to play, he will show once again how important a goalkeeper he is. “I am very comfortable about the goalkeeper. ”

Montella added, “Uğurcan played two very good matches, I am sure he would have continued if he had not left. We know what a good goalkeeper Mert is.”

Vincenzo Montella: "Altay, çok genç bir kaleci. Almanya maçında da ne kadar iyi bir kaleci olduğunu bir kez daha gösterdi. Eminim ki takımında da oynayabilecek. Genç yaşına rağmen deneyimi var. Oynama fırsatı bulunca ne kadar önemli bir kaleci olduğunu bir kez daha gösterecektir.… pic.twitter.com/bTY0oq7GAD

— Sporx (@sporx) November 22, 2023

Attention for Bayindir now turns back to United, who return to action this weekend when they travel to Goodison Park to take on Sean Dyche’s Everton.

The post Türkiye boss backs Altay Bayindir to break into Man United team after another impressive display vs. Wales appeared first on Man United News And Transfer News | The Peoples Person.

Bayindir arrived at United from Fenerbahce in the summer, in a deal worth around £4.3million.

After David de Gea’s departure following a 12-year stint at the club, Erik ten Hag sought to revamp the goalkeeping department and did so by securing the services of Andre Onana and Bayindir.

The Turkey international is yet to play even a single minute for United as Onana has featured in every competitive match so far this term.

However, with Onana looking increasingly likely to go away with Cameroon for the Africa Cup of Nations tournament at the turn of the year, Bayindir may well get his chance to finally get a run of games and show what he can do between the sticks.

The 25-year-old spoke to club media and was questioned about who he looked to while coming up and during the early stages of his career.

He revealed, “When I was younger, I watched a lot of Manchester United games.”

“My favourite goalkeeper, I say this and Edwin van der Sar is a legend. I know him.”

Van der Sar replied on social media and said, “Hi Altay, will see you soon in Manchester and we will have a chat about goalkeeping but my favourite is still Andre as you will know!”

The United legend of course worked very closely with Onana when the pair were at Ajax.

After a difficult start to life at Old Trafford in which he was culpable for a number of high-profile mistakes that cost United, the Cameroonian seems to have picked up a bit of form and things are looking much better for him.

At the moment, there are question marks regarding whether he will be involved when United take on Everton on November 26.

Onana had to withdraw from the national team after he picked up an adductor injury.

However, the setback is not thought to be serious and there are hopes he could line up for his side at Goodison Park.

The post Edwin van der Sar issues brutal response to Altay Bayindir saying the legend was his favourite goalkeeper appeared first on Man United News And Transfer News | The Peoples Person.

Altay Bayindir played his first game of the 2023/2024 season yesterday to help Turkey achieve an impressive win against Germany in Berlin.

The game was only a friendly but it will be a massive shot of confidence for a Turkish team who were dubbed a “disaster” in Euro 2020 and subsequently failed to qualify for the World Cup in Qatar in 2022.

Bayindir has not represented Manchester United for a single minute this season but he got his first taste of action in the Olympia Estadion Berlin.

The Turkish keeper had a solid game with a sofascore rating of 6.6. The keeper made two saves inside the box and took one high claim in 90 minutes of action.

The former Fenerbahçe man was beaten in the opening 5 minutes as Germany went 1-0 up. To be fair to Altay, the Turkish defence was cut to ribbons by a precise German move that saw Leroy Sane square for Kai Havertz to finish from close range. There was nothing the Man United keeper could do.

The 25 year old probably rode his luck in the 16th minute when Sane went through on goal and Bayindir came rushing out but got nowhere near the ball. Fortunately for the United man, the German attacker failed to hit the target.

The Turkish team as a whole fought hard and got their noses in front thanks to goals by Ferdi Kadioglu and Kenan Yildiz before the half time whistle.

However, the second half did not start well for Bayindir or Turkey. Germany quickly got back on level terms when Borussia Dortmund attacker, Niclas Füllkrug, beat United’s number two keeper from a shot outside the box. Perhaps the Turkish keeper could have got down quicker at his near post but it would be harsh to lay the blame at his door.

However, the rest of the second half was a positive one for Bayindir and his side. The Turks scored again from the penalty spot to make it 3-2 on the night. the United man also bravely collected a high cross from Havertz, colliding with his own defender in the process. Thankfully, there was no injury. United fans’ hearts would have been racing, especially considering Andre Onana limped off for Cameroon on Friday night.

However, the former Fenerbahçe keeper’s most crucial involvement of the night arrived in the 73rd minute. German striker, Julian Brandt, broke through and went one-on-one with the Turk. Bayindir stood strong and repelled the attack to maintain his nation’s narrow advantage.

This should probably come as no surprise as The Peoples Person revealed that the Turkish keeper is considered a “world-class” shotstopper by many in his home country. However, what would be most pleasing to United and Erik ten Hag is the passing performance of the keeper.

The Turk played 34 passes, completing 28. Bayindir was also regularly seen outside his box and spraying the ball about with confidence. One such occasion came in the first half when a beautiful long ball was sprayed almost inch-perfectly into his teammate’s path, but the ball was cleared by the panicked German defence.

Bayindir has been criticised for his ball playing skills whilst playing for the Turkish giants, so a performance like this will be music to Ten Hag’s ears as he tries to mould the player into an Onana-style sweeper keeper.

All in all, it was a successful night’s work for his side who will be full of confidence for the upcoming Euros in the summer. Bayindir will also be hopeful that his performance caught the eye of his club manager, so he can finally play his first minutes for his new club, and give his fellow new signing, Andre Onana, some genuine competition.

The post Altay Bayindir helps Turkey to famous win appeared first on Man United News And Transfer News | The Peoples Person.

The current United squad is reeling under the weight of injuries with over 16 players injured at one point with the club even forced to conduct an internal enquiry into the matter.

One position that had been fortunate enough to not suffer any injury-enforced setback was in goal but now even that is changing after Andre Onana picked up a knock during Cameroon’s World Cup qualifying win over Mauritius on Friday.

Onana injury update

As per The Athletic, the Cameroonian federation have now confirmed that the United No 1 will miss their upcoming game against Libya and will be returning to Manchester.

The former Inter Milan star was substituted with ten minutes left to play and the forecast from the tests conducted seem to indicate an injury to the pubis.

Once the shot-stopper is back at Carrington, United will conduct further tests to find out the exact severity and whether this will force the keeper to miss multiple games.

“Tests later revealed an injury to the pubis, one of the three bones that make up the pelvis, the federation said.

“He won’t play a part when Cameroon take on Libya in Benghazi in a World Cup qualifier on Tuesday and is instead returning to Manchester where he will undergo further testing.

“It remains to be seen whether he will be fit enough to return to action for United next weekend. United are next in action against Everton on Sunday in the Premier League.”

Bayindir waiting in the wings

Onana has not enjoyed the best of debut campaigns and had committed several high-profile errors, both in the Premier League and Champions League with multiple pundits and former stars calling for Ten Hag to drop him.

The 27-year-old seems to be regaining his form somewhat in recent weeks and a long-term absence will be a big miss for United with Ten Hag relying on the keeper’s passing ability to help United play out from the back.

United have Altay Bayindir as a reserve keeper with the Turkish star joining the club in the summer. He is yet to make his debut but Onana recently claimed that he is one of the best backup keepers he has ever trained with.

United also have Tom Heaton waiting in the wings but Ten Hag will be hoping his former Ajax compatriot can make it for the game against the Toffees.

The post Andre Onana out of Cameroon’s next game, returns to Manchester for further tests appeared first on Man United News And Transfer News | The Peoples Person.