A top goalkeeper signing was important for Manchester United in the summer.
Poor goalkeeping could no longer be the source of frustration for United and their fans.
The seriousness of this transfer need was exemplified by United chasing two goalkeepers, Emiliano Martinez and Senne Lammens, in a deadline‑day pursuit that screamed of determination not to miss out on a keeper signing.
In the end, United and Royal Antwerp agreed on an £18.1 million deal that saw Lammens, alias “Baby Courtois”, move to the Theatre of Dreams.
Lammens in, Onana out
Days after the Belgian shot-stopper arrived, Andre Onana left, joining Trabzonspor on a season-long loan deal.
While for some this felt like the perfect chance for head coach Ruben Amorim to implement change between the sticks, out with the old, in with the new, he has not.
Altay Bayindir, Onana’s deputy last season, has retained his place in goal, while Lammens has been forced to watch from the bench in his first two United matchday squads.
It makes sense that Amorim has not thrown him straight into the deep end.
He has chosen to protect him from the pressure of clashes with Manchester City and Chelsea, but sooner or later, Lammens will have to get stuck in.
Well, the Lammens–United train could finally leave the station this weekend as United play Brentford in Saturday’s early Premier League kick-off.
Why Brentford
There are plenty of reasons why Lammens should start against the Bees in place of Bayindir.
Signed on deadline day, the City and Chelsea fixtures came too early for the young Belgian. He had not yet formed a bond with his new teammates.
But after two weeks of training, he should now have a better understanding of the squad and be able to connect more naturally on the pitch.
United players have also had the chance to witness his quality, something Tom Heaton has already hinted at:
“His goalkeeping fundamentals are very impressive, and I think I said that to him after a couple of days of training.”
This “bonding time”, plus making the matchday squad, has allowed Lammens to experience both home and away environments. A valuable exposure that should help him handle the pressure of playing for United.
That said, a clash against Brentford comes with lower scrutiny. It is a low-risk fixture in which, at their best, United should be expected to dominate. It is the ideal game to introduce Lammens.
With no midweek fixtures and a whole week to prepare for Brentford, Lammens should be ready to go and drop a masterclass at the Gtech Stadium.
Ready for Anfield
If Lammens starts against Brentford, he could then feature against Sunderland. These two games before the October international break should prepare the Belgian international for his first big test: Liverpool vs United on 19 October.
While Bayindir keeping his spot against Brentford would not be surprising, doing so would only heap unnecessary pressure on Amorim. Some would ask why the club even bought Lammens if only to bench him.
Bayindir, although he has looked better, has shown shaky moments. Confidence in him remains low, particularly due to his struggles with corners and high claims. Lammens deserves his chance.
And against the Bees, the moment feels perfect for him to announce himself and start the journey of being the next great United shotstopper.
Featured image Octavio Passos via Getty Images
Follow us on Bluesky: @peoplesperson.bsky.social
Daniel Onguko
Since Dan was introduced to Manchester United in 2008, he has lived and breathed the club. What started as being a fan evolved into writing about United, allowing him to feel part of their journey. Hopefully, his work might even help rekindle your love for the kings of Manchester.
