Bayindir vs Onana: Who Should Start for Manchester United?

Manchester United’s goalkeeping situation has come under scrutiny, with growing calls for Altay Bayindir to replace André Onana as the team’s starting goalkeeper or even possibly get more playing time. This debate centers on the performances of both players during the current season and the potential benefits of making such a change.

André Onana’s Season So Far

André Onana, who joined Manchester United from Inter Milan, has had a mixed season. While he has showcased his shot-stopping abilities in several matches, there have been notable inconsistencies. For instance, in a recent match against Brighton, Onana conceded three goals and failed to make a single save, leading to a 3-1 defeat for United.

Additionally, Onana has been involved in errors leading to opposition shots, averaging one such error every 1,530 minutes played. While this statistic indicates that such mistakes are relatively infrequent, they have occurred at crucial moments, impacting the team’s results.

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Altay Bayındır’s Performances

Altay Bayindir, who has been serving as Onana’s understudy, boasts a commendable record from his time at Fenerbahçe. The 25-year-old Turkish international has achieved 53 clean sheets in 166 career appearances, reflecting his capability as a reliable shot-stopper.

In the current season, Bayindir has maintained one clean sheet and conceded eight goals in his limited appearances for the Red devils. While this data is based on a small sample size, it suggests that he possesses the potential to perform at a high level when called upon.

Comparative Analysis Between Bayındır and Onana

When comparing the two goalkeepers, several factors come into play: Onana has experience in top European competitions, including the UEFA Champions League, which provides him with exposure to high-pressure situations. Moreover, Onana has had more experience playing in top European leagues unlike Bayindir who has little experience in top European leagues or even playing in top European competitions.

Moreover, both goalkeepers has had backlashes from football enthusiasts this season on their performances on the pitch costing the team vital points and ability to progress in competitions. However, Bayindir’s clean sheet record indicates a level of consistency that could be beneficial for United’s defense unlike Onana who has shown more errors leading to goals than clean sheets kept in all competitions played this season.

Onana’s recent goalkeeping errors still shows potential challenges for him to adapt to the Premier League’s style of play, whereas Bayindir’s performance metrics indicate he could offer a steadier presence if given more game time.

Why Bayındır Should be Starting

Given the defensive weaknesses Manchester United has shown this season, introducing Bayindir’s as the starting goalkeeper or giving him more game time rather than using him only in cup competitions or when there is a disaster performance from Onana could provide the backline with renewed confidence. His track record suggests he is capable of delivering consistent performances, which may help stabilize the team’s defensive efforts.

Furthermore, competition for the starting spot could motivate both goalkeepers to elevate their performances, ultimately benefiting the team. Providing Bayindir with an opportunity could also serve as a strategic move to assess his capabilities in a competition as tough as the Premier League.

However, some critics suggest that switching goalkeepers could affect the teams style of play as they won’t be a consistent relationship between the defenders and the goalkeepers but it shouldn’t be a problem since the coach can make this happen during training sessions.

Conclusion

While André Onana has demonstrated moments of brilliance, his inconsistencies have raised valid reasons for him to be on the bench more often than having game time. Altay Bayındır’s proven reliability presents a compelling argument for his inclusion as Manchester United’s starting goalkeeper. A change between the posts could be a good factor needed to enhance the team’s defensive solidity as the season progresses.