“Everyone waits for a moment at their club, this was yours” - Rio Ferdinand sends message to 26-year-old Manchester United star after win over Arsenal

Manchester United goalkeeper Altay Bayindir emerged as the hero as the Red Devils beat Arsenal in the third round of the FA Cup on Sunday, January 12. He received plaudits from all quarters for his penalty saves, including from United legends.

Rio Ferdinand was one of the former stars who congratulated Bayindir for his heroics against the Gunners. The Turkey international saved two penalties, one in the normal time and another in the shootout, totaling six saves in the game to help Manchester United beat Mikel Arteta's side.

Following the match, Bayindir put up an Instagram post to mark the win. The caption read:

"A victory to remember! We never gave up until the end. We will keep fighting for this badge and achieving victories together, thanks to the passion of our fans."

Replying to Bayindir's post, Ferdinand wrote:

"Broooo you deserve. Everyone waits for a moment at their club - this was yours."

Notably, the Turkish shot-stopper is the second-choice goalkeeper at the club behind Andre Onana. Having joined in the 2023 summer window, Bayindir has made just five appearances for the club across competitions.

The 26-year-old had recently copped criticism for his performance in the Carabao Cup against Tottenham Hotspur, which the Red Devils lost 4-3 in December 2024.

Manchester United trump Arsenal to qualify for FA Cup fourth round

Just a week after earning plaudits for their performance at Anfield, Ruben Amorim's Manchester United put up an even better showing at the Emirates. Even after going a man down, the Red Devils held their own and came out on top in the penalty shootout.

Bruno Fernandes gave the visitors the lead in the second half before Diogo Dalot's sending-off in the 61st minute put them at a disadvantage. Arsenal equalized through Gabriel just two minutes later and were on the cusp of taking the lead when they were awarded a penalty in the 70th minute.

However, Martin Odegaard's spot-kick was saved by Bayindir and the Gunners couldn't create enough pressure to make the man advantage count. The match, after extra time, eventually went to the penalties. The Turkish goalkeeper saved Kai Havertz's spot-kick as all of the former's teammates converted to give Amorim's side a 5-3 win.