Man Utd boss confirms major decision on summer signing ahead of FA Cup tie at Newport County

Erik ten Hag has confirmed he will hand a belated debut to summer signing Altay Bayindir in Manchester United’s FA Cup fourth round tie at Newport County.

The Red Devils will travel to Rodney Parade on Sunday afternoon as they look to overcome an awkward test against the League Two club and take a step closer to delivering the second major trophy of Ten Hag’s reign at Old Trafford.

With regular number one Andre Onana still on African Cup of Nations duty with Cameroon, eight-times capped Turkey international Bayindir will finally make his first United start, almost four months after joining the Red Devils from Fenerbahce in a £4.2m deal.

The 25-year-old stopper had been expected to be handed starts in United’s Carabao Cup campaign but watched on the from the substitutes bench as Ten Hag’s men overcame a third round tie against Crystal Palace before succumbing to a 3-0 home defeat against Newcastle United.  Bayindir was also an unused substitute as United set up their visit to Newport with a 2-0 win at Wigan Athletic earlier this month.

However, he will be between the sticks in Sunday’s FA Cup tie and Ten Hag has backed Bayindir to shine after coping with the pressure placed upon him during his four-year stay at Istanbul giants Fenerbache.

He said: “Yeah, he (Bayindir) will be in the goal.  I think it is clear what we can expect from him. He waits for his chances but he is experienced.  He played for a big club in Turkey where there is big pressure.  He knows how to deal with it and we were all very convinced when we brought him into this club.  That is not a decision for just one man.  We are looking forward to Sunday. Altay is very motivated, of course, and he can't wait for this moment.  Now, this is his moment.”

Anthony Martial will miss Sunday’s game after undergoing surgery on a groin issue and is not expected to return to contention until the end of March.  However, there are high hopes the likes of Luke Shaw, Tyrell Malacia, Mason Mount, Victor Lindelof and Harry Maguire will be available to feature.