Altay Bayindir issues ideal response to Manchester United fears ahead of possible debut

It looked like Altay Bayindir had lost any chance of making an appearance for Manchester United this calendar year, yet he could be called into action this weekend.

Andre Onana is a doubt for the trip to face Everton on Sunday afternoon after he was forced to pull out of the Cameroon squad through injury, with the 27-year-old facing a race against the clock to be deemed match-fit.

Erik ten Hag will most likely provide an update when he speaks to the press on Friday afternoon, but this is a risk he has run all season with his preference of Onana over his understudy.

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Bayindir has earned rave reviews from United staff for his attitude and application since he joined the club in the summer, as Ten Hag's side secured his signature after previously considering a move for him in the January transfer window as well.

Yet, for all the positivity surrounding him, it has not been backed up by his manager. Onana was favoured in Carabao Cup ties against Crystal Palace and Newcastle, occasions when it seemed sensible to make a change, and any hopes of featuring in the Champions League campaign might have already been ended as well.

It has always been in United's best interest to expose Bayindir to first-team football sooner rather than later, given they could be without Onana for as many as nine matches should he represent Cameroon at the upcoming Africa Cup of Nations.

Even if it wasn't their intention, they might be required to make the change at Goodison Park, though their concerns will have been eased by Bayindir's impressive international appearance on Tuesday night.

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