There was a certain poetry in Altay Bayindir saving the decisive penalty that sealed Manchester United’s victory over Fiorentina in their final pre-season friendly — on the very day David de Gea made his return to Old Trafford.
It has been two summers since De Gea’s abrupt exit from United, ending a 545-game spell that places him seventh on the club’s all-time appearances list. Then-manager Erik ten Hag replaced him with a £47.2m signing from Inter Milan, Andre Onana — a decision that still divides opinion.
At the time, De Gea admitted he considered retiring from football altogether. He didn’t, but his departure remains a talking point, with many questioning whether Onana has justified the investment.
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There was no direct comparison on Saturday, as Onana was sidelined with a hamstring injury that puts his availability for next weekend’s Premier League opener against Arsenal in doubt. If he fails to recover, Bayindir will take his place.
The Turkey international had been tipped to leave Old Trafford this summer after losing the battle for the No.1 spot, culminating in the Europa League final defeat to Tottenham. However, interest in his services has been limited.
His penalty save against Fabiano Parisi — the only time either goalkeeper touched the ball in the 10-spot-kick shootout — will at least provide a timely confidence boost. United went on to win the shootout 5-4 after the game ended 1-1.
