Ruben Amorim has kept the promise to Altay Bayindir so far, but if he extends it a step further this week, it could signal an unexpected duel for the right to be Manchester United's first-choice goalkeeper after a contrasting week.

Bayindir was promised games in cup competitions this season, and he has had just that in the Carabao Cup and the FA Cup, but in the Premier League and Europe, it is Andre Onana who remains the clear No. 1.

Onana has started all six of United's Europa League games and is likely to keep his place for Thursday's Battle of Britain clash with Rangers, but Ruben Amorim has already made some bold calls as head coach, and another one could be coming.

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Bayindir restored his standing with an outstanding performance against Arsenal in the FA Cup third round. While Onana made some key saves against Southampton, his inconsistency is an issue, and he was at fault for Brighton's third on Sunday, gifting a goal to Georgino Rutter.

This has become the problem with Onana. His double save against Southampton was the third time this season he has pulled off two excellent stops in quick succession in a game, having also done so against Crystal Palace and Fenerbahce. But he has now made three errors leading to a goal in the Premier League, and you're never quite sure which Onana you will get.

He had an error-strewn start to last season, but looked to have settled down and becoming a reliable goalkeeper for United, only for those mistakes to creep back into his game. His distribution also remains well below the standards expected and there is a sense that supporters are losing patience with him.

Until recently, he had no competition for that role, but Bayindir's display against Arsenal has rebuilt his own confidence and made him a credible candidate for a run of games if Amorim decides to take Onana out of the firing line. There has been speculation that the United boss is eyeing up a new No. 1 this summer.

Bayindir is likely to leave the club in search of more regular first-team football, so the decision will be whether to sign another low-profile goalkeeper to play the role of backup to Onana or make a move for someone who can challenge the 28-year-old. When he signed for £47m in the summer of 2023, the former Ajax and Inter Milan No. 1 looked to have the profile required to replace David de Gea.

That has proven more difficult than expected and he was clearly wounded by his blunder against Brighton, which took the game away from United. A team to desperately short of goals can't afford to carry a weak link in goal as well.

Amorim might decide to keep playing Onana and back him to rediscover his best form, but Bayindir's display against Arsenal was timely. He has reminded everyone of his own quality, and this week's game against Rangers looks ideal to give him another chance.

That selection decision would signal a change from previous European games this season and start an audition for the gloves in the next Premier League game against Fulham.