Altay Bayındır to Start for Manchester United in Manchester Derby

Altay Bayındır will be Manchester United’s starting goalkeeper in the big Premier League match against rival Manchester City. This is a big moment for Bayındır and shows the club trusts his experience and skills for this tough game.

UNITED TURN TO BAYINDIR FOR BIGGEST TEST

Manchester United manager Ruben Amorim has confirmed Altay Bayındır as the goalkeeper for the match against Manchester City. Amorim praised young goalkeeper Lammens for his potential but emphasized the need for experience and strength in tough games. Bayındır joined United in September 2023 as the club’s first Turkish player. He has made 166 career appearances and kept 53 clean sheets. Bayındır started in the FA Cup against Arsenal, showing his ability to perform under pressure. Amorim’s decision shows faith in Bayındır to handle the intensity of the Manchester derby, as United needs stability in defense. Since joining, he has faced competition as Andre Onana lost his status as Manchester United’s first-choice goalkeeper and is now leaving Old Trafford after falling to third choice under the new manager Amorim.

PRESSURE POINT: UNITED’S SEASON SO FAR

Manchester United’s 2025/26 Premier League season has been inconsistent. The team is currently 8th in the table after three matches, having won once, drawn once, and lost once, sitting five points behind the leaders like Tottenham, Arsenal and Liverpool, who have one less game played. The defense has been struggling, conceding four goals in their last three games, adding pressure. Bayındır has mostly been a backup goalkeeper with limited playing time, particularly as Onana made only one appearance this term in a disappointing League Cup exit against Grimsby Town. Manchester City, meanwhile, is one point behind United after losing back to back matches in the Premier League. United needs to improve and climb the table with the upcoming match.

WHAT’S AT STAKE IN THE DERBY?

The Manchester derby at the Etihad on Sunday is a crucial early-season test for both teams. United needs to close the gap to the top four to keep their Champions League hopes alive. For Bayındır, a strong performance could secure him as the number one goalkeeper for future games, especially if he helps United stop City’s impressive attack. Manchester City, after a weak start, aims to improve and climb up the standings. With both teams needing points and bragging rights on the line, all eyes will be on Bayındır as he faces City’s powerful attack led by Erling Haaland and Phil Foden. The outcome could shape the direction of both teams’ seasons in the coming weeks.