Manchester United have decisions to make over several players’ futures this summer, with a busy transfer window anticipated. That will be the case whether Michael Carrick remains in charge or not.
A new midfielder is on the agenda as Casemiro is set to leave when his contract expires in June. The veteran Brazilian isn’t the only Red Devils star who might head for the exit door.
Some of the first-team squad have fallen down the pecking order and have lacked game time. This summer will be an important one as INEOS continue their rebuild.
Man United to wave goodbye to Altay?
Turkish goalkeeper Altay Bayindir has endured a difficult spell at Old Trafford, and that’s been the case this season. Senne Lammens has become the undisputed number one following the Belgian’s arrival last summer.
Bayindir displaced Andre Onana between the sticks at the start of the season. He made six league appearances, failing to keep a clean sheet.
The 27-year-old has since been playing backup to Lammens and hasn’t featured since September. His future is uncertain and a return to Turkiye could be on the cards.
According to Turkish outlet Fotomac, Besiktas are trying to finalise a deal for Bayindir after failing to complete a transfer in January. It looks increasingly likely that the shot-stopper’s days at the Theatre of Dreams are numbered.
Bayindir has shown the right mentality despite losing his place in the United team. He’s not downed tools or moaned about the situation.
That doesn’t mean the Turk isn’t frustrated, and a departure is surely the right decision at this stage of his career. He was on Besiktas’ radar in the winter transfer market, and the Turkish Super Lig giants are still interested.
Bayindir has been at United since the summer of 2023, when he arrived from Fenerbahce for £4.3m. He has made 17 appearances, keeping three clean sheets and conceding 31 goals.
Man United already have the perfect backup
It was bemusing to watch Radek Vitek be sent out on loan when the club were encountering a clear goalkeeping issue. The 22-year-old headed to EFL Championship outfit Bristol City, and he has earned rave reviews at Ashton Gate.
Vitek has appeared 26 times for the Robins, keeping nine clean sheets. His shot-stopping ability has been on display throughout his time with the second-tier side.
The Czech goalkeeper joined United at the age of 16 and his risen through the club’s youth ranks. He’s yet to make a single senior appearance but featured for the U21s on 22 occasions.
Vitek spoke about his future and the prospect of eventually breaking into the first team. He gave an honest assessment of his chances when speaking to Sky Sports:
“I speak on a regular basis with my goalkeeper coach from Manchester United who has come here to watch my games and I have a good connection with them.
“I know they’re watching me and I really appreciate that I’m not just the guy who is being forgotten or anything.
“Obviously long term, I would love to play for Manchester United one day but also I’m realistic and I know that my pathway can lead somewhere different as well.”
It’s been far too long since United possessed two goalkeepers who are worthy of being number one. Vitek could be the perfect cup competition shot-stopper from next season onwards.
