It looked like Altay Bayindir had lost any chance of making an appearance for Manchester United this calendar year, yet he could be called into action this weekend.

Andre Onana is a doubt for the trip to face Everton on Sunday afternoon after he was forced to pull out of the Cameroon squad through injury, with the 27-year-old facing a race against the clock to be deemed match-fit.

Erik ten Hag will most likely provide an update when he speaks to the press on Friday afternoon, but this is a risk he has run all season with his preference of Onana over his understudy.

EXCLUSIVE: United eyeing another clearout to break double figures

OPINION: The Glazer family have done what everyone expected during takeover process

Bayindir has earned rave reviews from United staff for his attitude and application since he joined the club in the summer, as Ten Hag's side secured his signature after previously considering a move for him in the January transfer window as well.

Yet, for all the positivity surrounding him, it has not been backed up by his manager. Onana was favoured in Carabao Cup ties against Crystal Palace and Newcastle, occasions when it seemed sensible to make a change, and any hopes of featuring in the Champions League campaign might have already been ended as well.

It has always been in United's best interest to expose Bayindir to first-team football sooner rather than later, given they could be without Onana for as many as nine matches should he represent Cameroon at the upcoming Africa Cup of Nations.

Even if it wasn't their intention, they might be required to make the change at Goodison Park, though their concerns will have been eased by Bayindir's impressive international appearance on Tuesday night.

After starting Turkey's 3-2 win over Germany on Saturday, the 25-year-old stepped off the bench in the first half of their 1-1 draw with Wales last night, replacing the injured Ugurcan Cakir after just 33 minutes.

He produced a good save to deny Brennan Johnson a goal just before the half-time break and denied the Tottenham forward again shortly after the restart with a low dive to his right.

There was little he could do about Johnson beating him for a disallowed goal in the final minutes of the match and overall, he impressed with his awareness and distribution from the back.

"He did very well in our games against Germany and Wales," said Turkey head coach Vincenzo Montella. "He is a young goalkeeper and I expect and hope that he can get great experience at United.

"I hope he can play first-team football which will give him even more experience and then he'll be even better when he comes back to us."

Bayindir is still not first-choice at international level, but he now has a European Championship to look forward to next summer and the opportunity to gain even more valuable experience.

He is arguably the most eligible back-up goalkeeper since Sergio Romero but Ten Hag will be well aware of how difficult it is to motivate and manage a second-choice when they are clearly behind in the pecking order.

His ultimate test will come whenever he is thrust into the United first-team fold and if he performs well when called upon, then he will only strengthen his case to eventually replace Onana in the starting line-up.

Time is still well on his side to make it in Manchester and rather than looking at the immediate impact he could make on the team, it is fairer to look ahead at his long-term eligibility for the role.

United wanted a long-term solution in goal; it looks like they could have two.