Altay Bayındır has released a lengthy statement following the conclusion of Manchester United’s 2024/25 Premier League campaign.
Manchester United’s worst season in recent memory has finally come to a finish and the Reds beat Aston Villa 2-0 at Old Trafford.
The Reds were the better team across 90 minutes and managed to score twice late in the game to secure the win, although their opponents were frustrated when a key decision went against them.
Altay Bayındır came into the team for André Onana and both goalkeepers have had troubles this season. That looked to be continuing on the final day.
The Turkish international had the ball headed back to him and an easy pickup was pounced on by Morgan Rogers, with Bayındır unable to get both hands on the ball. Fortunately, the referee made a mistake and blew his whistle.
Bayındır has played more football under Ruben Amorim this season and produced a standout performance in the FA Cup against Arsenal, but mistakes have defined his season like they have for Onana.
There have been rumours about the second-choice goalkeeper leaving the club this summer, and he has now released a statement following the completion of the season.
Bayındır releases lengthy United statement
Despite being at the club since the start of last season, this year has felt like Bayındır’s first at the club due to the opportunities he has received. If he wasn’t injured for a period late in the season, he probably would have got even more time on the pitch.
He has now decided to reflect on the season in a lengthy statement posted on his social media channels, where he thanked those close to him for the support during the good and bad times across the campaign.
The goalkeeper also stated that he will see United fans next term, suggesting that his preference in the summer is to remain at Old Trafford.
“This season wasn’t everything we hoped for, but it was real — a journey shaped by challenges, growth, and lessons I’ll carry with me,” the goalkeeper wrote.
“We started out with ambition, ready to embrace every opportunity. As the months went on, the team’s dynamic evolved, and the arrival of a new coach brought renewed belief and direction. His trust in me, and his willingness to give me a chance, meant more than words can say. I’ll always be grateful for the chance to grow under his leadership.
“Throughout the season, I gave everything I had — every match, every minute. Some moments stood out more than others, like the Arsenal game, where I was proud to be recognised for a performance that pushed me to my limits.
“But football has its own rhythm, and just as things were coming together,I was sidelined with a long-term injury. Ten weeks out brought pain and frustration — but also perspective.
“The road back wasn’t easy. I stayed focused, worked hard every day, and slowly began to find my rhythm again. Every minute back on the pitch reminded me what it took to return — and just how much this game means to me.
“Football teaches you resilience. It teaches you to keep showing up and keep believing, even when things don’t go your way. And through it all, I couldn’t be prouder of the team. I stood beside — and prouder still to wear red.
“To the coach, the staff, and everyone working behind the scenes. To my teammates, who give everything every single day. To the fans, who never stop showing up. And to my family and friends, for their constant love and support — Thank you.
“We’re disappointed because we care. But better days are coming — and when they do, I’ll be ready. See you next season. Always grateful.”
Bayındır should still leave United
While his statement seems to make it seem like Bayındır is planning for life at United next season, there should really be a shakeup in the goalkeeper department.
Both him and Onana have proven that they cannot be trusted to avoid mistakes and that is the worst position on the pitch to have that trait.
It was evident against Villa. No matter how dominant you think you might be in a game, one moment of madness from a goalkeeper can flip the script. Villa deserved to go 1-0 up despite United being in total control apart from that moment.
Bayındır has had a difficult time because he is a goalkeeper who rarely plays, and it is hard to find form in that way. But it is probably best for him and the club to part ways in the coming months.
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