As Altay Bayindir squandered his chance during a rotten display for Manchester United in the Carabao Cup quarter-final loss to Tottenham, the calls for an upgrade in the goalkeeper department were almost immediate.

The Turkey international, deputising for first-choice goalkeeper Andre Onana at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium, parried Son Heung-min's effort into the path of Dominic Solanke for Spurs' first goal, before he conceded directly from Son's corner for Spurs' fourth goal in their 4-3 win.

Just like that, a big chance for Ruben Amorim's first trophy at United disappeared and so too did any credit the former Fenerbahce goalkeeper had in the bank at United.

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Erik ten Hag didn't trust him to make more than two appearances. He has only made four since his move from Fenerbahce in the summer of 2023. The likelihood of him adding to that number seems slim.

It is a far cry to the previous summer when United felt like they had picked up one of the best back-up goalkeepers in the league when they signed Martin Dubravka on loan from Newcastle United.

The Slovakia international had been the Magpies' number one goalkeeper in the Premier League for four-and-a-half years but had lost his place following Newcastle's decision to sign England international Nick Pope.

Some felt it was a harsh call but when the chance to join United came along he jumped at it, much to the dismay of Newcastle fans.

“To be joining Manchester United is a special moment in my career and I can’t wait to get started, and help the group achieve its ambitions," Dubravka said following his move to Old Trafford.

“I am joining an excellent group of goalkeepers with lots of experience in the Premier League, and I know that we will push and support each other to keep our standards at the highest levels. The chance to work with David De Gea, alongside Tom Heaton, is one that I am relishing."

Dubravka's arrival pushed on De Gea's performances and he was afforded two starts in the Carabao Cup. However, when Newcastle decided to allow back-up goalkeeper Karl Darlow to join Hull City, the Magpies recalled Dubravka in January.

In a bizarre set of circumstances, United met Newcastle in the final of that season's Carabao Cup. Pope picked up a suspension ruling him out of the final and Dubravka was cup-tied and couldn't face United. Third choice goalkeeper Loris Karius started at Wembley as Ten Hag's side won 2-0. Dubravka was handed a winner's medal despite being part of the losing squad in the final.

Almost two years on, Newcastle make the trip to Old Trafford on Monday evening and Dubravka will be lining up in the opposite goalmouth.

Pope is out with an injury and Dubravka has not conceded a goal in the four matches since he returned to the Newcastle side, helping them to end Boxing Day fifth in the Premier League table.

The 35-year-old has brought a calmness to the Magpies' backline that has, so far, meant Pope's absence has barely been noticed.

United could well move on from Bayindir in January and look for a new deputy that will offer more stability in the event of Onana's absence. Frustratingly, they already had the perfect back-up goalkeeper in their grasp and Monday's visit of Newcastle will offer a timely reminder of that.