When ‘Baby Courtois’ may make his United debut after £18.2m deadline day move – opinion

Poor goalkeeping has been a major undoing of Ruben Amorim’s Manchester United project.

Altayir Bayindir and Andre Onana have done little to inspire confidence under the Portuguese tactician, repeatedly costing him valuable points.

Amorim needed someone he could trust between the sticks, and fortunately, INEOS delivered.

Lammens signs

In an £18.2 million deal with Belgian side Royal Antwerp, United secured the services of their top target, Senne Lammens.

Lammens is a highly rated European goalkeeper, widely regarded as the eventual heir to Thibaut Courtois in the Belgian national team.

Dubbed ‘Baby Courtois’, the 23-year-old’s playing style has been likened to the Real Madrid shot-stopper.

Like the former Chelsea man, United’s new keeper possesses a commanding physical presence, sharp shot-stopping ability, composure under pressure, and strong distribution skills.

United debut

While some fans would not mind seeing Lammens take over in goal immediately, it is unlikely he will, and there is a valid case for caution.

When Bryan Mbeumo signed, he did not feature in United’s opening matches of the USA tour, despite joining the team in time for the tour. He needed time to settle.

Andre Onana, who missed pre-season with a hamstring injury, returned to training ten days before the campaign began, yet still failed to make the matchday one squad.

Then there is the Benjamin Sesko case. Despite a full pre-season with RB Leipzig, he has also been eased in gradually.

It is improbable that Amorim will throw Lammens straight into the mix.

Tough fixtures

After the international break, United face the Manchester derby at the Etihad (14th September), host Chelsea at Old Trafford (20th September), and travel to Brentford’s Gtech Stadium (27th September).

City and Chelsea are high-stakes fixtures where United must take crucial points.

While the team would benefit from starting their most reliable goalkeeper, the intensity of these clashes might overwhelm a debutant still adapting to the club’s tactical demands.

Lammens is viewed as a young talent with a bright future, and United may well choose not to rush him and rightly so.

He is likely to sit out these two tough fixtures, with Amorim turning to the other options available.

Heaton Chance

The United head coach might persist with Bayindir, but given the sloppy goals the Turkish keeper conceded against Arsenal, Fulham and Burnley, starting him in such high-profile matches feels like a gamble.

Onana’s poor showing against Grimsby has also left many unconvinced. Perhaps Tom Heaton deserves a chance.

A report from The Peoples Person claims United players believe Heaton, who has reportedly impressed in training, deserves a chance between the sticks. Whether Amorim goes with the Veteran goalie in these two games remains to be seen.

Ultimately, while fans are eager to see Lammens make his debut, it is unlikely to happen immediately.

The deadline day recruit is likely to make his first start against Brentford on 27th September at the Gtech Stadium.

It may be a long wait, but it could prove worthwhile and be the beginning of something special.

Feature image Octavio Passos via Getty Images

Follow us on Bluesky: @peoplesperson.bsky.social