Manchester United is reportedly looking for a new custodian in the aftermath of David De Gea’s departure. CNN Turk, a Turkish sports media outlet, has revealed that Fenerbahce’s shot-stopper, Altay Bayndr, has piqued the interest of the English club.
Although negotiations are still in the early stages, United’s strong interest in Bayndr is clear. Following De Gea’s departure, as well as reports of Dean Henderson’s impending departure, the club is in need of dependable goalkeeping options. While Andre Onana has already been signed, Henderson’s possible departure would leave United with only the 37-year-old Tom Heaton as an option.
However, given United’s recent acquisition of Andre Onana, Bayndr’s chances of making the first team next season are likely to be limited. Onana’s talent was on display in the Champions League final, when he made several outstanding saves for Inter Milan against Manchester City. While Bayndr is an excellent custodian, he is not on the same level as Onana. Nonetheless, at 25 years old, he has plenty of room for professional development and growth.
In comparison to Dean Henderson, Bayndr has the potential to make significant contributions to the team. Henderson’s shot-stopping abilities are impressive, but his overall goalkeeping abilities could be improved. His long distribution and technical proficiency are below average, and his ball-handling abilities could be improved. Henderson’s skill set may not be optimally aligned with United’s current tactics, given Manager Ten Hag’s preference for a back-passing style of play involving the custodian.
Bayndr, on the other hand, has a more balanced skill set than Henderson. Although he may struggle to break into the starting lineup ahead of Onana, he could be a capable backup to the Cameroonian star. Bayndr’s versatility in goalkeeping and potential to contribute to the team’s desired playing style make him a viable option for United.
Finally, Manchester United’s pursuit of Altay Bayndr demonstrates the club’s commitment to bolstering its goalkeeping roster. While he may not be given a starting spot in the first team right away, his well-rounded skill set and potential for development make him a valuable asset for United’s future campaigns.
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