Bruno Fernandes hailed "top class" Altay Bayindir following the Manchester United goalkeeper's penalty shootout heroics against Arsenal in their FA Cup third round win. 

The Turkey international, who is back-up to Andre Onana, was making only his fifth competitive appearance for the Red Devils since arriving from Fenerbahce in September 2023.

And he made the most of his rare opportunity, saving Martin Odegaard's second-half penalty, while also thwarting Kai Havertz in the shootout as Ruben Amorim's side prevailed 5-3 following a 1-1 draw at the Emirates.

In doing so, he became the first Premier League goalkeeper on record in the FA Cup (since 2013-14) to save a penalty in both normal time and in a shootout in the same game.

He also made a string of saves during the contest, six in total to keep his side in the tie, and Fernandes lauded his stand-in goalkeeper for his heroics in north London. 

"It's a big moment for him, the first penalty and another save here, and we are really happy for him," Fernandes told BBC Sport. 

"It's tough to be second goalkeeper, he came here to play.

"Whenever he gets his chance, he's top class for us, he's top class in training, he's always available for everyone, and he truly deserves this moment."

Bayindir, meanwhile, highlighted the importance of being ready to grasp any opportunity that falls his way.

"I just help my team," he said. "I am working every day. I am patient. I just want to help this great team. I want to make everyone happy for this great club.

"I'm working here every day. If you are not playing, it doesn't matter. You have to be ready every minute, every second. If you are a Man Utd player, you always have to be ready."

United have now eliminated Arsenal from the FA Cup for the ninth time, more often than any other team. Meanwhile, the Red Devils have only progressed in the competition more often, at the expense of Aston Villa (11), Liverpool (11) and Reading (10) than the Gunners.

Sunday's triumph capped off an encouraging week for Amorim's side, having held Premier League leaders Liverpool to a 2-2 draw at Anfield a week ago. 

And Bayindir believes that Amorim's style of play is beginning to click at Old Trafford following a difficult start to his Red Devils tenure. 

"We love him, and he's always trying to do his best. He has a very good relationship with the players, and we trust him, he trusts us," Bayindir said. "We are fighting together."