Football Digest: Man Utd with work to do after sluggish start
Erik ten Hag has grown a reputation for targeting players for his Manchester United project with whom he is familiar from earlier in his coaching career. Fenerbahce goalkeeper Altay Bayindir would also fit into that category as United eye a deal worth around £5million.
Lisandro Martinez, Antony and Andre Onana played under Ten Hag at Ajax, while Christian Eriksen came through the Dutch giants’ academy.
Ten Hag also faced Tyrell Malacia and Mason Mount in the Dutch Eredivisie and Casemiro in the Champions League.
The prospect of Bayindir joining United this summer emerged from nowhere, with the 25-year-old undergoing medical tests in Greece on Tuesday ahead of a potential move.
His arrival depends on the future of Dean Henderson, who is reportedly nearing a switch to Crystal Palace on a season-long loan with an obligation to buy.
But it’s not the first time Ten Hag has tried signing Bayindir, who would provide cover for Onana alongside Tom Heaton.
In 2020, Ten Hag eyed the Turkey international as Onana’s potential replacement when he was 22, as the then-Ajax stopper sought a new challenge elsewhere.
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Turkish outlet Takvim reported that Bayindir could be on the move from Fenerbahce due to the club’s financial struggles.
He had caught the eye at Fenerbahce after joining from Ankaragucu for around £1.3m, earning his first international call-up.
Sheffield United were also said to be in the running for Bayindir’s signature, but he remained in Istanbul and has thrived there since.
Bayindir would have to accept a significantly reduced role at Old Trafford if Henderson’s exit paves the way for him to complete a move.
Onana followed Ten Hag to United this summer in a £47m deal from Inter Milan, where he left Ajax on a free transfer to join last year.
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But Onana’s reported U-turn on his international retirement may mean he plays with Cameroon at the Africa Cup of Nations this winter.
And if Cameroon go all the way in the tournament, he would miss at least four Premier League games for the Red Devils.
United are scheduled to face Tottenham Hotspur, West Ham United, Aston Villa and Wolves between January 13, 2024, and February 11, 2024.
If Bayindir replaces Henderson as United’s No 2, he would likely be tasked with filling Onana’s boots during what will be a daunting period for Ten Hag.
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