Man Utd outcast shares details after crunch talks with Erik ten Hag about 'not playing'

Manchester United goalkeeper Altay Bayindir has opened up about his candid discussions with boss Erik ten Hag over his sparse appearances as he prepares to head back to where it all began later this week.

While the Red Devils’ Europa League journey to Fenerbahce is awash with storylines, Bayindir’s reunion with his old club barely causes a ripple, given his position behind Andre Onana in the pecking order.

The 26-year-old has had a scant two outings since his £4.2million move to United in 2023. His rare moments between the sticks came against Newport County in the previous campaign while Onana was away at the Africa Cup of Nations, followed by a Carabao Cup fixture against Barnsley earlier this term.

Premier League or European stages have eluded Bayindir so far, and prospects seem dim for change this Thursday, with United desperate for points after a poor start to the league phase.

Added intrigue comes as United prepare to square off with former manager Jose Mourinho and past midfielders Fred and Sofyan Amrabat.

While hungry for game time, Bayindir confessed to TRT Spor in Turkiye that he’d had a heart-to-heart with Ten Hag about his lack of opportunities.

“I had a conversation with manager Erik ten Hag about not playing for Manchester United. I always respect the manager’s decision, but I will do everything to play,” Bayindir disclosed.

The player expressed his current focus, saying: “I am just focusing on the pitch. There has been untrue news about many of our players playing in Europe.

“I am a person who is trying to be successful in the team I am in and to get the reward of the effort I have put in, but of course, no one knows what time will show. My current thought is to continue to work until the end to be the best in the team and field I am in.”

Bayindir also revealed his close ties within the squad, particularly with Antony, and acknowledged the support from third-choice goalkeeper Tom Heaton while commending the professionalism of captain Bruno Fernandes.

“I get along well with Antony in the team,” he added. “We have a different kind of communication with him. He also had a hard time. I hope he starts getting as much playing time as he wants soon.

“I get along well with Casemiro and goalkeeper Tom Heaton. We talk to Onana. I get along well with Bruno Fernandes, we go out for dinner with him from time to time. Bruno is one of the [most] professional players I have ever seen.”

Reflecting on his tenure at Fenerbahce and addressing some of the criticism he faced, Bayindir discussed his challenges.

The shot-stopper recounted: “I had an operation in my last year before leaving. I had many injuries. My first three years at Fenerbahce were a period in which I was improving by working harder.

“My fourth year was the same, but I had an injury that season. I was getting injections every day, taking painkillers. Finally, I found a good doctor for my back and spine, and I found one myself.

“The doctor told me that I was in a very critical period and asked, ‘How did you play like that? ‘ He said. Then I had surgery. There were also resentments with the fans during the time I had surgery.

“Sometimes there was excitement and desire in the fans due to not being a champion for a long time. This also reflected negatively on the players. You are 1-0 behind in the 20th minute. The match can turn around, but the fans’ will can make it difficult.

“Football is not an easy game. The opponent also plays to beat you. In all the years I played for Fenerbahce, I never conceded a goal by letting it slip out from under my hand or foot. I never conceded a goal that was seriously wrong individually.”

“I think I contributed to my team in many matches. This criticism is something that comes from the championship that the fans have wanted for a long time.”