Manchester United goalkeeper Altay Bayindir has sent a long message reflecting on the team’s difficult 2024/25 season.
Altay Bayindir was named as the Manchester United starter for the final game of the season, with Andre Onana omitted from the squad.
The match almost ended disastrously for Bayindir when he lost possession of a loose ball in the second half, with Ollie Watkins taking advantage to put Aston Villa 1-0 up. Fortunately the goal was ruled out as the referee had already blown the whistle before the incident.
While Manchester United won the game 2-0, Bayindir underlined why he is a shaky option, and one the club should probably move on from, amid an expected summer clearout.
Bayindir may have other plans, penning a lengthy message to supporters that signed off with the words, ‘see you next season’.
Photo by Matt McNulty/Getty Images
Photo by Matt McNulty/Getty Images
Altay Bayindir message in full
Altay Bayindir posted a message to his Instagram page following the league game against Aston Villa. It is reproduced in full below:
“This season wasn’t everything we hoped for, a journey shaped by challenges, growth, and lessons I’ll carry with me.
“We started out with ambition, ready to embrace every opportunity. As the months went on, the team’s dynamic evolved, and the arrival of a new coach brought renewed belief and direction.
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“His trust in me, and his willingness to give me a chance, meant more than words can say. I’ll always be grateful for the chance to grow under his leadership.
“Throughout the season, I gave everything I had every match, every minute.
“Some moments stood out more than others, like the Arsenal game, where I was proud to be recognised for a performance that pushed me to my limits. But football has its own rhythm, and just as things were coming together,
“I was sidelined with a long-term injury. Ten weeks out brought pain and frustration but also perspective.
“The road back wasn’t easy. I stayed focused, worked hard every day, and slowly began to find my rhythm again. Every minute back on the pitch reminded me what it took to return and just how much this game means to me.
“Football teaches you resilience. It teaches you to keep showing up and keep believing, even when things don’t go your way. And through it all, I couldn’t be prouder of the team I stood beside and prouder still to wear red.
“To the coach, the staff, and everyone working behind the scenes, to my teammates, who give everything every single day, To the fans, who never stop showing up, and to my family and friends, for their constant love and support, thank you.
“We’re disappointed because we care. But better days are coming – and when they do, I’ll be ready.
See you next season. Always grateful.”
Key takeaways from Altay Bayindir message
Altay Bayindir was barely given an opportunity under former boss Erik ten Hag, who selected him for only two matches.
Ruben Amorim gave Bayindir more opportunities, picking him in nine games, including four in the Premier League.
Bayindir clearly appreciates the trust Amorim has placed in him, and on face value, his message shows he is expecting to return next season.
There are clubs in Bayindir’s native Turkey who would probably be interested in signing him and offering him regular football. He has been tipped to leave, via a recent report from iNews.
United have young options, Radek Vitek and Elyh Harrison, who could both step up behind a new number one.
But if Bayindir is determined to stay, United could be stuck with him as a number two next season. He has proven he is not the answer at number one, despite his impressive performance in the FA Cup against Arsenal that he referred to.