Manchester United’s reserve goalkeeper Altay Bayindir stole the spotlight today with a match-winning performance that delivered exactly what the Red Devils have been hoping for from first-choice keeper Andre Onana.
Bayindir denied Martin Odegaard’s penalty during regular play and later saved Kai Havertz’s spot kick in a dramatic shootout, securing a stunning 4-3 victory on penalties over Arsenal at the Emirates.
The triumph pushes United into the FA Cup fourth round, with Joshua Zirkzee coolly converting the decisive penalty to spark jubilant celebrations among the players and traveling fans.
The match ended 1-1 after 120 minutes of tense, back-and-forth action.
Bruno Fernandes opened the scoring early in the second half, injecting life into a previously cautious affair.
Arsenal’s Gabriel responded 11 minutes later to restore parity, setting the stage for a gripping finish.
What began as a slow encounter transformed into a thrilling contest, filled with intensity, resilience, and the raw passion that makes football captivating.
Fernandes’ goal ignited United’s belief, while Arsenal fought fiercely to avoid a bitter home defeat against their long-standing rivals.
Bayindir’s heroics, combined with United’s composure under pressure, turned what could have been an ordinary FA Cup clash into an unforgettable showdown.