Manchester United's goalkeeping department has been plunged into fresh crisis after confirmation that summer signing Altay Bayındır has sustained a significant muscular injury that could keep him sidelined for the remainder of the season.
Turkish International Sidelined at Crucial Moment
The 25-year-old shot-stopper, who arrived from Fenerbahçe in a £4.3 million deal, has reportedly suffered what Turkish media are describing as a 'serious muscle injury' during training. This devastating blow comes just as the Turkish international was beginning to establish himself at Old Trafford.
Bayındır had recently made his long-awaited debut for the Red Devils in their FA Cup victory against Newport County, putting in a confident performance that suggested he could provide genuine competition for number one Andre Onana.
Ten Hag's Selection Headache Worsens
This injury presents Erik ten Hag with yet another selection headache during what has been a challenging season for the Dutch manager. With Bayındır now joining Tom Heaton on the treatment table, United's goalkeeping options have become dangerously thin.
The situation leaves Andre Onana as the only fully fit senior goalkeeper at the club, raising serious concerns about what might happen if the Cameroonian international were to pick up an injury or require rest during the demanding final months of the campaign.
Summer Signing's Dream Turned Nightmare
For Bayındır personally, this injury represents a cruel twist of fate. After waiting patiently for his opportunity following his move from Turkey, he had finally broken into the first-team picture and was hoping to build on his promising debut.
Instead, the goalkeeper now faces an extended period of rehabilitation, casting doubt over his involvement in what remains of United's push for Champions League qualification and their FA Cup campaign.
This development comes at a time when United are already grappling with multiple injury concerns across the squad, further testing the depth and resilience of Ten Hag's side as they approach the business end of the season.
