Boluwatife Kehinde
Manchester United manager Rúben Amorim has confirmed that Altay Bayındır will once again start in goal for Sunday’s Premier League showdown against Manchester City, extending his run at the heart of United’s defence ahead of new arrival Senne Lammens.
Bayındır, 27, has featured in all three Premier League matches so far in the 2025/26 season, conceding four goals, keeping no clean sheets, and making five saves.
Despite a mixed start to life in the English top flight, Amorim insists the goalkeeper has earned his place and will continue as first choice for the big matches.
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“This game is clear. Altay will start. It’s a show of faith in Altay,” Amorim said ahead of the derby.
He stressed the need for consistency and belief in his squad, particularly in high-pressure fixtures such as the one against City. The message from United’s head coach appears firmly in favour of continuity as an approach.
Bayındır arrives with considerable experience, most recently from his final season at Fenerbahçe in 2022/23, where he featured in 26 league matches.
During that campaign, he conceded 31 goals but boasted nine clean sheets and chalked up 59 saves, demonstrating his shot-stopping capabilities and composure in goal.
Manchester United will be looking to build momentum following a hard-fought victory over Burnley on matchday three.
The derby clash offers a chance to boost morale and league standing, as United currently sit ninth in the table, behind several rivals, while Manchester City occupy 15th—far from their lofty usual perch.
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Last Season, United also beat City 2–1 at the Etihad Stadium, delivering one of their standout results of the season. A similar result this time would not only deliver three valuable points but also a psychological boost.
As the community braces for a tense Super Sunday fixture, the spotlight will be on Bayındır to justify Amorim’s faith and deliver a performance befitting a derby.
