Senne Lammens, the goalkeeper for Royal Antwerp, was acquired by Manchester United on the last day of the transfer window.
This United team has been severely hampered by shaky goalkeeping. Altay Bayindir and André Onana have already demonstrated their unreliability in just four games this season, and head coach Ruben Amorim is still having a hard time with their goalkeeping mistakes.
For INEOS, failing to recruit a top-tier goalkeeper was always going to be a huge risk; it would have been a daring move that could have stifled any hopes of a United comeback.
Luckily, the United leadership did not want to take that chance. They worked hard to finalize a deal for a new goaltender as the transfer deadline drew near.
Lammens over Martinez
Determined not to lose out on this important signing, United also considered making a move for Emiliano Martinez while negotiating with Antwerp for main target Lammens.
The Belgian’s transaction ultimately crossed the finish line.
Some believe United lost out by passing up the seasoned Martinez, although that opinion has since been refuted.
Lammens is what United need
After the deal was confirmed, former United journalist Steve Bartram spoke with Antwerp’s legendary secretary Paul Bistiaux about what the 23-year-old will bring to Old Trafford, and fans will love what he had to say.
“I dare say Senne Lammens is absolutely a fantastic goalkeeper, who in my opinion will do well for United,” Bistiaux told Bartram via YouTube.
“I’m really convinced that he’s going to be the man.”
Bistiaux continued:
“In my opinion, he has no weaknesses. He’s a shot-stopper; he holds the record for penalties saved in the Belgian league. But his main quality, for me, is his concentration. He operates in the zone, so to speak.
“When he plays, he’s on another planet. He doesn’t hear or see the outside world. That level of focus makes him resistant to pressure—especially the kind he’ll face at a top club like United.
“That’s the main issue for young players at United—the scrutiny from fans and media. Expectations are sky-high. That’s what happened with Onana.”
Given how shaky United’s goalkeeping has been, the number one shirt is there for the taking.
Should be a fan favourite
United supporters will be willing to back Lammens if he arrives and proves to be even half as good as he is being described.
He should have all he needs to dominate the Premier League with that support.
There are many who question if Amorim will include him right away, but one thing is certain: Onana and Bayindir are no longer in control of United.
According to the excellent article “An analysis of Man United’s new penalty stopping monster,” United now has a legitimate goalkeeper in “Baby Courtois.”
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