Manchester United’s goalkeeper paradox has turned the Theatre of Dreams into a nightmare for fans in recent years.
In the summer of 2023, the Red Devils roped in Andre Onana, who had starred in the Champions League final with Inter Milan the previous season, to address the position.
Two years and multiple errors later, the Cameroonian has done little to calm those nerves.
The 29 year old lost his place to Altay Bayindir at the start of the 2025/26 campaign, but the Turkish custodian is hardly an upgrade in the position.
By the end of this summer, Ruben Amorim had seen enough to sanction a move for Senne Lammens. The Belgum U-21 international arrived at Old Trafford from Royal Antwerp for a reported £18m fee on transfer deadline Day.
Lammens is seen as a long-term solution to United’s goalkeeping woes
Lammens was brought in as a long-term replacement for Andre Onana. It is believed that the Belgian will be eased into action, especially with the Manchester Derby up ahead after the international break.
However, United should take a leap of faith, and start with “Baby Courtois” against Pep Guardiola’s side.
Bayindir and Onana have struggled this season and their poor form is likely to affect their confidence in such a high-pressure game.
Lammens, meanwhile, will arrive at the game without baggage, but eager to prove a point.
The new signing could even be the element of surprise against City, who will definitely be planning to take advantage of United’s goalkeeping woes. There’s a possibility that Guardiola’s side would not have done their homework on the Belgian, which could work to Amorim’s advantage.
A tremendous shot stopper
Lammens is famed for his shot stopping ability, which reportedly caught United’s eye during scouting. He has a sound technique, and is adept at saving penalties as well.
The player’s 1.93m frame also makes him an asset when defending set pieces, where his aerial ability could be a welcome change.
Opting for the Belgian in a crucial tie will also help build belief, as it signifies the Old Trafford hierarchy’s trust in their new man. The experience of playing against one of United’s biggest rivals will also contribute to his development.
Lammens could have history on his side
Around 60 years ago, United signed another 23-year-old goalkeeper named Alex Stepney.
The Englishman made his debut against a pretty good Manchester City side and the Red Devils won the game 1-0.
Stepney, interestingly, went on to stay at Old Trafford for 12 years, winning the old English League First Division, the FA Cup, the Charity Shield, and the club’s first European Cup.
At United, when you are good enough, you are old enough. It is time for Amorim to have a little faith and put his trust in Lammens for the Manchester Derby.
Feature image Octavio Passos via Getty Images
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Deepungsu Pandit
Deepungsu has been a Manchester United fan since 2000. In his playing days, he was an attacking midfielder with a proclivity for the back heel. Right now, however, he prefers to operate as a regista. Deepungsu has been writing about the Red Devils, Football, and other things since 2009. His favourite Manchester United player is Paul Scholes.
