“It’s unbelievable” - Mikel Arteta names ‘best player on the pitch’ during Arsenal’s loss to Manchester United in FA Cup

Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta has lavished praise on Manchester United goalkeeper Altay Bayindir after their FA Cup clash on Sunday night (January 12). The Spaniard hailed Bayindir as the best player on the pitch.

The Gunners were knocked out of the FA Cup in the third round against Ruben Amorim's side at the Emirates this weekend. After a goalless first half, Bruno Fernandes gave Red Devils the lead with a superb finish early in the second period.

However, Manchester United were dealt a major blow after Diogo Dalot picked up a second yellow card and was sent off in the 61st minute. Arsenal quickly capitalized via Gabriel Magalhaes' equalizer a couple of minutes later.

Manchester United backup keeper Altay Bayindir took the spotlight with a heroic performance against the Gunners. He emphatically saved Martin Odegaard's penalty in normal time (72') before denying Declan Rice's excellent header (77'). He then saved Kai Havertz's spot-kick in the penalty shootout to send United into the fourth round.

Speaking to reporters after the game, Arteta was asked about Arsenal's failure to convert in the final third despite registering 26 shots (via FotMob). The Spanish boss said (via Metro):

"It’s football and a part of our execution is the goalkeeper who was probably the best player [today]. It’s unbelievable. Obviously, you measure the performance and what we did in relation to the position, you-know, you deserve to win the game by a mile."

"But the reality is we are out and the only thing that’s going to be judged it that but internally I can’t," he added.

The Gunners will next face Tottenham Hotspur in the Premier League on Wednesday (January 15), while United will take on Southampton on Thursday.

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"You have to be ready every minute" - Altay Bayindir speaks on being Manchester United's backup goalkeeper after Arsenal win

Altay Bayindir has opened up about being Manchester United's backup goalkeeper after their emphatic win over Arsenal in the FA Cup.

The Red Devils signed the Turkish goalkeeper from Fenerbahce in 2023 but he has largely remained behind Andre Onana in the pecking order. He made only his fifth appearance for the club against the Gunners.

After a fantastic performance against Arsenal, Bayindir spoke about his lack of game-time, insisting that he will remain patient until making his breakthrough into the starting XI.

He said (via the aforementioned outlet's report):

"If you are not playing it doesn’t matter. You have to be ready every minute, every second. If you are a Manchester United player you have to be ready always."

"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," Bayindir added.