"Apologize for doubting you", "Give that man his flowers" - Fans hail Manchester United star after FA Cup win over Arsenal

Manchester United fans were left buzzing after witnessing a stellar display from Altay Bayindir in their FA Cup third round clash against Arsenal on Sunday, January 12. The Turkish shot-stopper's crucial saves were instrumental in United’s qualification to the fourth round of the competition.

After an underwhelming first half, United broke the deadlock in the 52nd minute. A slip from Gabriel Magalhaes allowed Alejandro Garnacho to drive into Arsenal’s penalty area and pick out Bruno Fernandes, who hammered it past David Raya into the corner of the net.

The Red Devils were reduced to ten men after the hour mark as Diogo Dalot was shown a second yellow card following his challenge on Mikel Merino. Mikel Arteta’s men took advantage of their numerical advantage immediately as Gabriel put them back on level terms (62’).

Ten minutes later, Arsenal had the opportunity to complete the comeback as they were handed a spot kick after Kai Havertz went down following contact from Harry Maguire. United goalkeeper Altay Bayindir, however, stood tall as he denied Martin Ødegaard from the spot.

The scoreline remained unchanged after 90 minutes and neither side was able to find the back of the net in the additional 30 minutes, forcing the game to a penalty shootout.

Bayindir proved to be the hero once more for Manchester United as he denied Havertz and handed his side a 5-3 penalty shootout victory. In the process, Bayindir became the first Premier League goalkeeper on Opta’s records since 2013-14 to save a penalty in normal time and in a penalty shootout in the same FA Cup game.

Apart from the penalty saves, the Turkish goalie also made a number of crucial saves in the match to keep his side in the contest.

After the match, fans took to X to heap praise on him for his performance.

"I apologise for doubting you. You can’t kick a ball but you can save penalties like no ones business," an X user wrote

Another tweeted:

"BAYINDIR IS HIM!!! GIVE THAT MAN HIS FLOWERS!!"

''Everyone owes an apology to this man..!!! Respect...!!!!'' @KButd_MUFC wrote.

Another wrote:

''HERO LITERALLY ❤️‍🔥''

''Don’t mind eating my words in cases like this. Well done Bayindir," @4shaann added.

"He's like a hero for us" - Manchester United manager Ruben Amorim on Altay Bayindir after FA Cup clash with Arsenal

In the aftermath of Manchester United’s win over Arsenal on Sunday, head coach Ruben Amorim and teammate Bruno Fernandes waxed lyrical about Altay Bayindir. The Turkish shot-stopper was sloppy with his distribution in the early parts of the game. However, he redeemed himself with his two fine saves from Declan Rice to take the game to extra time.

While speaking in the post-match conference, Amorim and Fernandes heaped praise on the goalie.

Amorim said (via the BBC):

"He's (Altay Bayindir) a good guy, he works a lot and life has beautiful things. A few weeks ago we were suffering through a difficult moment but now he's like a hero for us. All the players in this team who have the opportunity and they are lucky because they are playing for Manchester United. It doesn't matter if you play one game or 90 games, its always a joy to play for this club."

Bruno Fernandes said:

"It's a big moment for him, the first penalty and another save here and we are really happy for him. 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."

Manchester United will face Ruud van Nistelrooy’s Leicester City in the fourth round of the FA Cup.