Manchester United advanced to the fourth round of the FA Cup after a dramatic penalty shootout victory over Arsenal, following a 1-1 draw after extra time.
United held their nerve to win 5-3 in the shootout, with Arsenal’s Kai Havertz missing his penalty, sending 10-man United into the next stage of the competition.
In a game that saw both sides miss numerous chances, the action started with a fast-paced counter-attack from United. Bruno Fernandes found the back of the net after excellent work from Alejandro Garnacho.
However, the match took a dramatic turn when United were reduced to 10 men after Diogo Dalot received a second yellow card, changing the dynamic of the match. Shortly after, Arsenal equalised through Gabriel.
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Arsenal had a chance to take the lead from the penalty spot when they were awarded a contentious decision after Harry Maguire’s challenge on Kai Havertz. Referee Andy Madley pointed to the spot, but BBC pundit Micah Richards criticised the decision, saying there was “not enough for a penalty at all.”
The incident led to heated confrontations between players, with Maguire and Manuel Ugarte leading the United charge against the decision.
Despite the protests, Arsenal’s Martin Odegaard took the penalty, but United goalkeeper Altay Bayindir came up with a brilliant save, diving to his left to deny the Norwegian.
Bayindir continued to shine throughout the match, making crucial saves, including a stunning stop from Declan Rice’s header shortly after.
The game went to extra time and eventually penalties, where Bayindir’s heroics continued, as he saved from Odegaard and was instrumental in keeping United in the game. In the shootout, Joshua Zirkzee calmly slotted in the winning penalty, securing United’s progression.
Before the match, United manager Amorim had confirmed that Bayindir would start in goal ahead of Andre Onana, despite some critics pointing to Bayindir’s poor performance in the Carabao Cup against Tottenham.
Bayindir’s redemption arc was complete as he not only made key saves throughout the match but also played a pivotal role in securing victory for his team during the penalty shootout.
United will face Leicester City in the next round, managed by former United forward and interim manager Ruud van Nistelrooy.
