Man Utd cup hero gives Ruben Amorim selection headache says Micah Richards

Micah Richards believes Altay Bayindir's exceptional FA Cup display has given Manchester United manager Ruben Amorim a potential selection headache.

The Turkish goalkeeper, serving as United's No. 2, was handed a rare start and delivered a Player of the Match performance as United eliminated Arsenal from the FA Cup in a dramatic penalty shootout.

Bayindir made crucial saves during the match, including stopping Martin Ødegaard’s controversial penalty in normal time and denying Kai Havertz in the shootout.

United, reduced to ten men for a significant portion of the game, relied heavily on Bayindir, who rose to the occasion with several vital stops.

Andre Onana, United’s first-choice goalkeeper, has had a mixed season, with errors highlighting his vulnerability.

Richards speculated on BBC Sport that Amorim might now be reconsidering his goalkeeper hierarchy:

"It is hard. We don't want to be reactionary—Altay Bayindir had a good game today, but the thing with Andre Onana is he makes a lot of mistakes."

Signed by former manager Erik ten Hag, Bayindir has had limited opportunities, primarily featuring in cup competitions.

Despite being linked with an exit, the goalkeeper has remained focused and ready to contribute when called upon.

After the game, Bayindir expressed his commitment to the team: "I just help my team. 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. If you are a Man Utd player, you have to be ready every minute, every second."

He also praised Amorim’s leadership: "[Ruben Amorim] is talking with us every day and he wants to help us.

"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."

Bruno Fernandes, who scored during regular time and converted in the shootout, was quick to commend Bayindir’s performance: "It's a big moment for him—the first penalty save and another save here.

"We are really happy for him. It's tough to be the second goalkeeper. He came here to play, and 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’s standout display has reignited questions about Onana's reliability and could prompt Amorim to reassess his options between the posts.

For now, Bayindir has proven that he’s ready to rise to the challenge whenever called upon, potentially complicating the pecking order at Old Trafford.