Manchester United manager Ruben Amorim has confirmed that Altay Bayindir will start in goal for Sunday’s Manchester derby against rivals Manchester City.
The decision comes despite the club signing Belgian goalkeeper Senne Lammens on deadline day, sparking debate about whether the young shot-stopper would be thrown straight into action.
Bayindir, who has started all three of United’s Premier League games so far, will now get his biggest test yet under the lights of the Etihad.
The Turkish international has conceded four goals across those fixtures but retains Amorim’s backing for the crucial clash.
With Mason Mount, Matheus Cunha, and Diogo Dalot sidelined through injuries, United already face major absences.
The goalkeeper call, therefore, carries even more weight as Amorim looks for stability at the back.
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What Ruben Amorim said?
Ruben has confirmed @AltayBayindir_1 will start between the sticks on Sunday 👊
— Manchester United (@ManUtd) September 12, 2025
Speaking ahead of the match, Amorim explained his decision: “I’m pleased with Lammens, he has a lot of potential. Now we are in the moment that the goalkeeper needs to be really strong and have a lot of experience.”
The Portuguese coach also addressed the goalkeeping change from last season: “Sometimes you need a change. Andre Onana was really good at working and helping the players, but in this club the pressure is so hard in every detail. I believe in Altay, he is ready to play.”
On signing Lammens, Amorim added: “We are really pleased, he is a goalkeeper with a lot of potential. We are in the moment that the goalkeeper needs to be really strong and have a lot of experience, but we also have to look at the present with a focus on the future.”
A safe pair of hands?
The derby has often been decided by small moments, and Amorim knows keeping City quiet will be key. Choosing Bayindir over Lammens is a nod to experience over youth, even if fans were curious to see the Belgian debut.
As for Bayindir, this is his chance to prove he can truly command the United goal on one of the Premier League’s biggest stages.
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