Ahead of the last-16 Carabao Cup fixture against Leicester City, Manchester United's Altay Bayindir has shared a graphic on his Instagram story, hinting at a potential start. While not definitive, players have used this method in the past to inform fans and family back home when they are expected to feature in a game. Bayindir has yet to start against a team from the second tier or above, with former manager Ten Hag opting to rarely rotate in cup competitions. However, interim manager Ruud van Nistelrooy could be breaking that trend by giving Bayindir the opportunity to impress on the big stage.
Ruud van Nistelrooy Breaks Trend, Gives Bayindir Big Stage Opportunity
Ahead of their Carabao Cup fixture against Leicester City, Manchester United have hinted at a potential start for goalkeeper Altay Bayindir. The 23-year-old Turk has yet to start against a team from the second tier or above for United, but interim manager Ruud van Nistelrooy could be breaking that trend.
Bayindir's Hint on Social Media
Bayindir shared a graphic on his Instagram story that featured a message from a fan, asking if he would be starting in the match against Leicester. Bayindir responded with a cryptic "maybe", which could be a hint that he is in line for his debut against a Premier League side.
Van Nistelrooy's Rotation Policy
Former United manager Erik ten Hag rarely rotated his starting lineup in cup competitions, preferring to field his strongest team. However, interim manager van Nistelrooy has suggested that he could be willing to give more opportunities to players who have not featured regularly this season.
Bayindir's Opportunity
With David de Gea expected to rest for the match, Bayindir could be handed his chance to impress against a top-flight opponent. A strong performance from the Turk could put him in contention for a more prominent role in the future.
Top 5 FAQs
1. Why is Bayindir's potential start significant?
It would be Bayindir's first start against a team from the second tier or above, and could indicate a shift in van Nistelrooy's rotation policy.
2. How has Bayindir performed for United this season?
Bayindir has played in two EFL Cup matches this season, keeping clean sheets in both.
3. What is van Nistelrooy's approach to cup competitions?
Van Nistelrooy has suggested that he may be willing to rotate his lineup more than his predecessor, Erik ten Hag.
4. What are Bayindir's chances of making a long-term impact at United?
A strong performance against Leicester could boost Bayindir's chances of becoming a regular in the United starting lineup.
5. Who is the current first-choice goalkeeper at United?
David de Gea is United's current first-choice goalkeeper.
Brazilian striker Matheus Cunha has already made an impact on Manchester United fans with his performances on the pitch, but now he's giving fans a glimpse into his personal life at the club. In a special video released by the Premier League, Cunha reveals who his best friend is at United and it may come as a surprise to some. Cunha explains that defender Harry Maguire is his best friend at the club due to his honesty and support.
India emerged victorious in the T20I series against Australia, with Abhishek Sharma being the standout performer. The star batter was named Player of the Series, after ending as the highest run getter with 163 runs in five innings. Despite the bad weather affecting the final game, India held a 2-1 advantage and brought home the trophy. In his post-match interview, Sharma expressed his excitement for the series and his dream to play in the upcoming T20 World Cup.
In a stellar performance against South Africa A, Dhruv Jurel joined an elite group of Indian cricketers as he scored twin centuries for India A, matching the feat achieved by Naman Ojha in 2014. Jurel's impressive form continued as he notched his second hundred in as many innings, solidifying his position as a top contender for the senior Test XI. Along with Harsh Dubey, Jurel guided India A to a commanding lead of 416 runs, with the latter remaining unbeaten on 127.
Dhruv Jurel, the young wicketkeeper for India A, impressed with his second century in the second unofficial Test against South Africa A. Jurel reached the milestone in 159 deliveries, hitting 12 fours along the way. With India extending its lead to 370, Jurel's century has put the team in a strong position and highlights his potential as a rising star in Indian cricket.
In a rain-affected fifth and final T20I against Australia, Indian opener Abhishek Sharma achieved the milestone of scoring 1,000 runs in T20Is, becoming the fastest Indian to do so in terms of balls faced. He also became the second-fastest Indian after Virat Kohli in terms of innings played. Despite being dropped early on, Abhishek was able to reach the milestone before play was stopped due to rain, with his opening partner Shubman Gill also looking in good touch.
In a crucial series decider, India has decided to rest their struggling batsman Tilak Varma and hand an opportunity to Rinku Singh in the fifth T20I against Australia. With the series currently tied at 2-2, both teams will be looking to bounce back to secure a win. Meanwhile, Australia has won the toss and elected to bowl first, hoping to avoid their fourth consecutive T20I series defeat. Captain Mitchell Marsh has noted that the surface looks good for batting and there's a lot to play for at the Gabba. India's Suryakumar Yadav also shared that the team will be flexible with batting positions in the absence of Varma, who is resting for the match.
In the fifth T20I match between India and Australia, Rinku Singh has replaced Tilak Varma in the Indian playing XI. This decision was made on Tilak Varma's 23rd birthday, after he had a string of poor performances in the first four T20I matches. The Australian team, on the other hand, has opted to play with the same team. If India wins this match, it will be Suryakumar Yadav's sixth consecutive T20I series win as India's captain.
As the IPL 2026 approaches, Chennai Super Kings are making moves to strengthen their team, with talks of a potential trade with Rajasthan Royals for star player Sanju Samson resurfacing. Delhi Capitals have reportedly pulled out of negotiations, giving CSK an opportunity to swoop in. Other interested teams include Kolkata Knight Riders and Lucknow Super Giants, who see Samson as an ideal fit for their squads. All eyes are on CSK's internal meeting this November, as they look to finalize their retentions for the upcoming season.
With all eyes on Hardik Pandya's absence on the ongoing India's tour of Australia, Shivam Dube has stepped up and proved himself as a key player in the team. Not only has he been impressive with the bat, but Dube has also showcased his skills with the ball, outperforming even Jasprit Bumrah in the death overs. With the team's trust and backing, Dube has continued to excel and make a mark for himself in the international cricket scene.
In an unfortunate turn of events, two Australian women cricketers were allegedly inappropriately touched by a motorcyclist in Indore on Thursday. They were walking to a nearby cafe from their hotel when the incident occurred. The BCCI and Madhya Pradesh Police have responded swiftly, with the BCCI vice-president calling the incident "very unfortunate" and promising necessary steps to prevent it in the future. The BCCI Secretary also expressed his disapproval and commended the police for their prompt action.