“Man Utd already have a Vanja Milinkovic-Savic alternative in 6’6″ giant and he will be much better”

“Man Utd already have a Vanja Milinkovic-Savic alternative in 6’6″ giant and he will be much better”

 

 

 

Man Utd Already Have a Vanja Milinkovic-Savic Alternative in 6’6″ Giant – and He Will Be Much Better

 

As Manchester United continue to explore the transfer market for long-term solutions across the pitch, reports have recently linked them with a potential move for Serbian goalkeeper Vanja Milinkovic-Savic. The 6’8” Torino shot-stopper has impressed in Serie A with his commanding presence and strong shot-stopping abilities, making him an attractive option for clubs seeking a physically dominant goalkeeper.

 

However, while Milinkovic-Savic may bring a towering presence and valuable experience, the reality is that Manchester United already have a similar, arguably better, alternative within their own ranks. Standing at 6’6”, Turkish international Altay Bayındır was signed from Fenerbahçe in the summer of 2023 and has largely gone under the radar due to limited first-team opportunities behind André Onana. But the club’s backup goalkeeper possesses all the attributes needed to succeed at the highest level—and could very well become United’s future No. 1.

 

Here’s why United would be better off placing their faith in Bayındır instead of chasing an external replacement like Milinkovic-Savic.

 

 

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1. Altay Bayındır’s Overlooked Quality

 

At 26 years old, Altay Bayındır is entering what is typically considered the prime years for a goalkeeper. Prior to his move to Old Trafford, Bayındır was the undisputed first-choice keeper for Fenerbahçe, one of Turkey’s biggest clubs, where he made over 140 appearances in all competitions. He captained the side on numerous occasions, showcasing leadership, composure, and vocal command of his area.

 

While many United fans haven’t seen much of him due to André Onana’s iron grip on the starting role, Bayındır impressed in training sessions and has reportedly adapted well to life in England. His combination of height, agility, and reflexes, paired with solid distribution, make him an ideal candidate to thrive in Erik ten Hag’s system.

 

 

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2. Physical Parity and Style Comparison

 

Vanja Milinkovic-Savic has attracted attention for his shot-stopping heroics and physical frame—he’s a towering 6’8”, built like a traditional penalty-box goalkeeper. But in the modern game, where distribution, footwork, and sweeping ability are as vital as reflex saves, Milinkovic-Savic’s limitations begin to show.

 

In contrast, Bayındır is not only physically imposing at 6’6” but has developed a more modern skillset. At Fenerbahçe, he was regularly involved in build-up play, comfortable with the ball at his feet, and capable of executing long-range passes with precision. He also has a strong command of his box, often coming off his line to punch or claim crosses, much like Milinkovic-Savic.

 

Statistically, the two are closer than many might expect. In the 2022/23 season:

 

Bayındır: 11 clean sheets in 28 league appearances

 

Milinkovic-Savic: 13 clean sheets in 36 Serie A games

 

 

Adjusting for league difficulty and defensive setup, the difference is marginal.

 

 

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3. Financial Logic: Why Spend Again?

 

United are facing a crucial summer in which they must operate within tight Financial Fair Play (FFP) parameters. The need to strengthen other areas—such as central defence, midfield depth, and a striker—takes financial precedence.

 

Spending £10–15 million on a backup goalkeeper like Milinkovic-Savic when a ready-made alternative like Bayındır is already under contract doesn’t add up. The club invested around £4.3 million in signing the Turkish international and has barely scratched the surface of his potential.

 

Additionally, Bayındır is on a modest wage compared to many of his Premier League counterparts, and still has multiple years left on his contract. The most financially sound option would be to give him more opportunities, especially in domestic cups and potentially in Europe, rather than make another external signing that could congest the squad.

 

 

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4. Opportunity for Growth Under Ten Hag

 

Goalkeepers thrive when given trust and time to develop under a manager who understands their strengths. Erik ten Hag has historically worked well with keepers who are not only shot-stoppers but also tactical assets in possession. While Onana fits this mold, he cannot play every game—especially with a congested calendar that includes domestic cups and European competition.

 

Bayındır has the raw tools to excel and only needs game time to sharpen his reactions to Premier League intensity. Ten Hag could foster his development into a top-tier option, much like how other elite clubs have cultivated second-choice keepers into eventual starters—see Liverpool with Caoimhín Kelleher or Arsenal with Aaron Ramsdale before the arrival of David Raya.

 

 

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5. The Bigger Picture: Squad Stability

 

Too often in recent years, United have been guilty of constant churn—buying players only to discard them a season later. This leads to inflated wage bills, bloated squads, and under-utilized talent. The club’s recruitment under INEOS is expected to shift toward smarter, long-term planning, and that should include trusting internal options like Bayındır.

 

Signing Milinkovic-Savic would be a short-term, possibly redundant move. Instead, building continuity by integrating Bayındır more meaningfully into the squad would align with the club’s goal of developing a sustainable squad with depth and harmony.

 

 

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Conclusion: The Better Choice is Already Here

 

While Vanja Milinkovic-Savic is undoubtedly a capable goalkeeper and a standout in Serie A, he represents a redundant investment for Manchester United. The club already has a high-potential, physically dominant alternative in Altay Bayındır, who not only offers similar traits but is already acclimatized to the club’s environment and tactical setup.

 

Rather than spend precious resources on another backup, United should look inward, trust Bayındır’s ability, and focus on strengthening key outfield areas. With the right guidance and game time, Bayındır has the tools to surpass Milinkovic-Savic and emerge as a reliable long-term solution at Old Trafford.

 

The future No. 1 might not need to be found in Serie A—he could already be sitting on the United bench, waiting for his chance.

 

 

 

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Would you like a visual comparison chart of Bayındır vs Milinkovic-Savic?