Manchester United keeper Altay Bayindir received a hero’s welcome from the Fenerbahce crowd despite not playing a minute of action in last night’s europa League clash.

The Turk played 145 times for Fenerbahce over four seasons before moving to Old Trafford in the summer of 2023.

The 26 year old started last night on the bench, a familiar role for him as he has only played two games for United since completing his move.

He made his debut in a 4-2 win over Newport County in the FA Cup last season and kept his first clean sheet for the club in the 7-0 victory over Barnsley in the Carabao Cup last month.

Before United played out a frustrating 1-1 draw with Fenerbahce in Istanbul, their Turkish keeper came out onto the pitch by himself to be greeted by his former home fans.

The Sun report that “Fenerbahce fans have moved one Manchester United player to tears with a hero’s welcome.”

“An emotional Bayindir enjoyed a huge ovation from the ultras as he strode out into familiar territory, blowing kisses to the crowd.”

The Turk applauded his former fans and caught up in the emotion, a child “vaulted” the advertising hoardings to give Bayindir a hug.

To mark the return of the first Turkish player to represent Manchester United, the Fenerbahce Director of Football Mario Branco presented the goalkeeper with a bright yellow bouquet of flowers at the Şükrü Saracoğlu Stadium.

Bayindir has recently spoken out on his frustration at his lack of game time for the Red Devils but he may not have long to wait to make his third appearance for the club.

The Red Devils welcome Leicester City to Old Trafford in the fourth round of the Carabao Cup next Wednesday night, where he might expect to start.

United fans will be happy that his competitor Andre Onana started last night however, as he made two incredible point-blank stops to save the away side’s blushes in the Turkish capital.

Feature image Paul Ellis via Getty Images



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