Manchester United could see one of their players request an exit from Old Trafford in January transfer window.
Altay Bayindir, Tom Heaton and Andre Onana started the season as Manchester United's goalkeepers
Altay Bayindir, Tom Heaton and Andre Onana started the season as Manchester United's goalkeepers
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Manchester United goalkeeper Altay Bayindir would have struggled to believe his luck at the start of the Premier League campaign.
Under Erik ten Hag, Bayindir struggled for any minutes at all, with Andre Onana the clear first choice.
After an injury picked up by Onana during the summer, Ruben Amorim chose to trust Bayindir with the gloves. The Cameroonian's poor performance at Grimsby Town, followed by his subsequent exit to Trabzonspor, appeared to have cemented Bayindir's place in the starting XI.
And yet, after a 3-1 defeat to Brentford, Amorim chose to give Senne Lammens his opportunity and he has not looked back. The Belgian has been impressive and the comparisons from the Stretford End to Peter Schmeichel are of course tongue in cheek but a sign of how good he has been.
Bayindir is now back down the pecking order as second choice at Old Trafford and, with the World Cup coming up at the end of the season, it would be no surprise if he seeks an exit. Amorim may be reluctant to allow him to leave without a replacement lined up, but would he really stop him leaving if a decent bid was tabled?
If Bayindir goes in January, it would see Tom Heaton pushed into an unexpected new role as second choice goalkeeper, should a replacement not arrive in the mid-season window.
If that happens, it would be a fitting half season for Heaton, especially when he is expected to retire at the end of the campaign. The 39-year-old has had a brilliant career, and to finish up back at United as a regular in the matchday squad would be a solid achievement.
If Bayindir does choose to leave, Heaton may be handed a promotion.
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