Manchester United will stick with Altay Bayindir as their starting goalkeeper for the upcoming Manchester derby against Manchester City on September 24, 2023. Despite the recent signing of Senne Lammens from Royal Antwerp for £18 million on transfer deadline day, manager Ruben Amorim emphasized the importance of keeping Bayindir in the starting position for the crucial match.
Bayindir has been in fine form, starting all three of United’s Premier League matches this season. He has successfully taken over the number one spot from André Onana, who has been loaned to Trabzonspor for the season. Amorim acknowledged the pressure that comes with playing for a club like Manchester United, stating, “André Onana did a very good season at Inter [before joining United in summer 2023], the quality is there, but in the club sometimes things are getting harder.”
Amorim regards Lammens as a player for both the present and future but noted that the 23-year-old will need time to acclimatize to the Premier League. “It is a different league, different country, different ball,” he said. “Altay is going to continue. They [Lammens and Bayindir] will fight for the position.” The manager expressed confidence in Lammens’ potential, indicating that he could become an integral part of United’s squad in the years to come.
While United considered other options, including Emiliano Martínez from Aston Villa, Amorim explained that the club chose Lammens for his unique qualities. “We have an option that can give us different things at the moment but also has a great potential to be our goalkeeper for a number of years,” he added.
In terms of injuries, the team will also be without Mason Mount and Matheus Cunha for the derby. Amorim confirmed, “They are out for this game. I don’t know how long it is going to take [for their return]. We will manage this day-by-day.”
United enters the derby looking to build on their recent performances and maintain momentum in the league. With Bayindir in goal and a squad of eager players, the team aims to put forth a strong challenge against their local rivals.
