Erik ten Hag could get first look at key Manchester United replacement ahead of January departure

Gary Neville reckons being number one goalkeeper for Manchester United is among the most scrutinised roles in professional sport. However, stepping into that position de facto might not be particularly straightforward, either, as €5million back-up signing Altay Bayindir could be about to discover.

Bayindir swapped Turkey for Manchester this summer and the remit for the 25-year-old was crystal clear; push first choice Andre Onana and be ready to perform as and when called upon. That time could now be on the horizon and Bayindir could make his debut for United on Tuesday night.

Erik ten Hag did not, exactly, rotate freely last season as United juggled four competitions before ending a six-year trophy hoodoo with victory in the Carabao Cup showpiece. Ten Hag was, rather surprisingly, reluctant to shuffle his pack on the road to Wembley, yet that plan was, ultimately, justified with silverware.

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So much has changed since United swept aside Newcastle beneath the famous arch, though, and United can now afford to put other matters at the forefront of their Carabao Cup agenda. Defending this competition is not a huge priority for Ten Hag and his misfiring team this campaign.

Due to early-season struggles, and injury problems, Ten Hag might be more open than usual to making alterations. Giving the gloves to Bayindir against Crystal Palace is a no-brainer.

As things stand, Onana will be missing for several matches in January and February after helping Cameroon qualify for the upcoming 2024 Africa Cup of Nations finals. Exactly how many games United will be without the £47million number one will be governed