Fernandes salutes 'top class' Bayindir after penalty heroics

Bruno Fernandes hailed "top class" Altay Bayindir following the Manchester United goalkeeper's penalty shootout heroics against Arsenal.

The Turkey international, who is back-up to Andre Onana, was making only his fifth competitive appearance for the Red Devils since arriving from Fenerbahce in September 2023.

And he made the most of his rare opportunity, saving Martin Odegaard's second-half penalty, while also thwarting Kai Havertz in the shootout as Ruben Amorim's side prevailed 5-3 following a 1-1 draw at the Emirates.

Fernandes was full of praise for his team-mate.

"It's a big moment for him, the first penalty and another save here, and we are really happy for him," the Man Utd skipper told BBC Sport. "It's tough to be second goalkeeper, he came here to play.

"Whenever he gets his chance, he's top class for us, he's top class in training, he's always available for everyone and he truly deserves this moment."

Bayindir, meanwhile, highlighted the importance of being ready to grasp any opportunity that falls his way.

"I just help my team," he said. "I am working every day. I am patient. I just want to help this great team. I want to make everyone happy for this great club. I'm working here every day.

"If you are not playing, it doesn't matter. You have to be ready every minute, every second. If you are a Man Utd player, you have to always be ready."

On Amorim, he added: "We love him, and he's always trying to do his best. He has a very good relationship with the players, and we are trusting him, he is trusting us. We are fighting together."

What a performance from this man.#MUFC || #FACup pic.twitter.com/a7v4c8ItKI

— Manchester United (@ManUtd) January 12, 2025