Of all the signings made by Erik ten Hag at Manchester United, this is the one hardest to rate.
If Lisandro Martinez is perhaps Bruno Fernandes‘ biggest challenger for the most popular signing post-Sir Alex Ferguson, if Andre Onana has been hit-and-miss and Antony an expensive disappointment, then how do we describe Altay Bayindir‘s time at Old Trafford?
The £4.3 million goalkeeper snapped up from Fenerbahce last summer has only played once. Against fourth-tier Newport County in the FA Cup, no less.
Despite being highly regarded behind the scenes by Manchester United‘s coaches, if Martinez has been a 9/10 and Antony maybe a three, then it seems a little harsh slapping a number on Bayindir’s head.
The Turkey international only joined the Red Devils, meanwhile, after Man United had enquired about a number of other goalkeeping targets. Sint-Triuiden’s Zion Suzuki, Braga’s Matheus and Feyenoord’s Eredivisie-winning shot-stopper Justin Bijlow all confirmed that they had held talks with Ten Hag’s side.
Bart Verbruggen chose Brighton over Manchester United
The Athletic, meanwhile, report that United agreed a deal with Anderlecht for Bart Verbruggen too. That was before the Dutch international opted to put pen to paper with Brighton and Hove Albion to the tune of £17 million.
The report adds that Verbruggen chose to join forces with Roberto de Zerbi because he felt game time would be more forthcoming at The Amex. And while the youngster has had to share goalkeeping duties with Jason Steele at times, he can consider that decision justified.
Verbruggen made 21 Premier League appearances in 2023/24. Bayindir, meanwhile, is still awaiting his top-flight debut.
Despite some high profile errors, particularly in possession, you can see why United liked Verbruggen. The 21-year-old is a very modern, ball-playing goalkeeper in the mould of Onana. That is the reason why Burnley – under his former Anderlecht coach Vincent Kompany – came calling during the summer of 2022 too.
“Bart is unbelievably good,” Verbruggen’s Dutch team-mate – and Man United striker target – Joshua Zirkzee told Het Nieuwsblad.
“Not only does he save the ball, he can also play football so well. Bart looks a lot like Manuel Neuer. I’ve told him that many times. I don’t want to put too much pressure on him, but that’s the level he can go to.”
Andre Onana has the confidence of Ten hag
Verbruggen would likely have provided back up to Onana at Old Trafford, the Cameroonian reuniting with his former Ajax boss Ten Hag following a £47 million deal with Inter Milan.
It’s been a mixed start to life in England for Onana certainly – his FA Cup final performance perhaps epitomising that – but there is a confidence that he will grow into an elite number one once he settles into arguably European football’s most high-pressure position.
“I think it’s tough for anyone when you come into a club like Manchester United. It’s an institution,” United coach Benni McCarthy tells 947 Joburg. “There’s so much that you have to prove, you know, (with) all the great goalkeepers and players that have played for the club.
“Everyone was super excited about having Onana coming in. You see the ability, you see the quality in training every day.
“He is lightning quick under the sticks. But, yeah, when it comes to game time, lapses of concentration, sometimes you get punished at that level. But he’s a phenomenal goalkeeper for me. And he will get better once he’s found his feet properly.
“People will learn to appreciate what we see every day.”