Man United’s No 2 Altay Bayindir HAS to play in Andre Onana’s absence against Newport County in the FA Cup, claims Chris Sutton on It’s All Kicking Off… as he labels it ‘RIDICULOUS’ to even consider starting Tom Heaton ahead of him

Chris Sutton believes Altay Bayindir must be handed his Manchester United debut against Newport County in the FA Cup on Sunday.

Bayindir was signed as Andre Onana’s understudy from Fenerbahce in the summer, and could finally play for the Red Devils due to the Cameroonian currently being away at the Africa Cup of Nations.

However, Erik ten Hag also has the experienced Tom Heaton at his disposal, and could call on him for the potential banana-skin tie at Rodney Parade.

Sutton sees no reason to protect Bayindir, though, and has urged Ten Hag to put his faith in him this weekend. 

When asked by co-host Ian Ladyman whether Ten Hag may be tempted to play Heaton over Bayindir, Sutton said on Mail Sport’s It’s All Kicking Off podcast: ‘What was the point of signing Bayindir then? 

Onana’s understudy Altay Bayindir (pictured) could finally be handed his debut

Chris Sutton believes Bayindir has to play and sees no reason to protect him

‘This is a guy who’s played for his country, a young goalkeeper who’s played at Fenerbahce which isn’t an easy place to play. He played over 100 games for them. So why are we having this big discussion? Is he going to be nervous playing at Rodney Parade? I mean, come on!

‘(He’s played in) Fenerbahce-Galatasaray, do you think he’s going to c**p himself playing at Newport?’

Ladyman agreed with Sutton’s view, but feels that Bayindir will be anxious to make a positive first impression after sitting on the sidelines patiently waiting for his opportunity for months.

‘My view is, he’s the No 2, he’s been bought as Onana’s understudy. If Onana’s not available, he should play,’ Ladyman said.

‘Go in there, do your job. I agree with you. However, I’m not sure about that final statement of yours that he won’t be nervous. It is Manchester United and it is the FA Cup and it is a slightly, let’s say, unusual environment in which to make a debut.’ 

Ladyman then played devil’s advocate by putting forward Heaton’s case to start, but Sutton was having none of it.

Ladyman added: ‘The counter-argument is Tom Heaton, experienced player in all English conditions, will have played in this type of game before, safe pair of hands to use that cliche…’

Sutton responded: ‘When are they ever going to play him then? If he doesn’t play at Newport, when are they ever going to play him? What game would suit then? 

The experienced Tom Heaton is another option for Erik ten Hag, but Sutton feels Bayindir needs to be given a chance to show what he can do

‘Do they wait for a team to be relegated and then give him a chance? It’s a ridiculous debate.’

Bayindir appeared to be in contention to replace Onana last month after the shot-stopper endured a nightmare game at Galatasaray in the Champions League in late November.

The pressure was ramping up on Onana at that point after several previous high-profile errors, but he managed to retain his No 1-spot prior to leaving for AFCON.

Bayindir will expect to get the chance to show what he can do this weekend, though, as Ten Hag’s men look to beat their League Two opponents to book their place in the fifth round of the FA Cup.