Rúben Amorim has been handed further proof as to why a £22 million transfer must be sanctioned this weekend after Manchester United’s 3-2 win over Burnley.
Rúben Amorim picked up his first victory of the season as Manchester United edged Burnley 3-2, sealed by a last-gasp Bruno Fernandes penalty.
United began on the front foot, with Bryan Mbeumo twice threatening and several penalty appeals turned down before Josh Cullen’s own goal gave them the lead just before the half-hour mark.
Matheus Cunha was forced off injured soon after and replaced by Joshua Zirkzee, though despite continued pressure, United went into the break with only a one-goal cushion.
Burnley struck early in the second half when Lyle Foster finished from a cross, but Mbeumo responded immediately, restoring United’s advantage within seconds of the restart. The visitors refused to fold and drew level again on 65 minutes, Jaidon Anthony prodding home from close range to make it 2-2.
As the game moved into stoppage time, United threw everything forward. Their breakthrough came when Amad was brought down in the box, leaving Fernandes to calmly convert from the spot and finally deliver Amorim’s long-awaited first three points.
Bayındır cannot be trusted this season
The goalkeeping department has been a source of intense debate so far this season and throughout Amorim’s tenure, amid the failings of both Altay Bayındır and André Onana in recent weeks.
Onana’s struggles with parrying were a major talking point last season, and although Bayındır has featured in every Premier League match so far, his performance against Burnley suggested he is not a clear improvement.
While the first goal was not down to the Turkish goalkeeper, the second certainly was. Instead of collecting the ball or pushing it safely wide, Bayındır’s “baffling” handling saw it fall straight into Burnley’s path.
Bayındır had 33 touches through the game, but his major error for Burnley’s second goal will go down as the hallmark of his display. The Turkish international did make some quality long-range passes, but either way, neither he nor Onana should be trusted as United’s first-choice goalkeeper this campaign.
United must secure Lammens transfer this weekend
Just over a week ago, news broke that United had advanced on a deal to sign 23-year-old Royal Antwerp goalkeeper, but as of the Burnley tie, no agreement has been reached.
It was detailed earlier this week that talks were set to accelerate this weekend. Transfer journalist Ben Jacobs reported early on Saturday morning that the two clubs are coming close to a final agreement, with Antwerp wanting around £22 million.
Lammens has also been of interest to Aston Villa, Galatasaray, and Inter Milan, showcasing the potential he so clearly possesses. Still, United must make sure now more than ever that they finalise the transfer before Monday evening’s 19:00 BST deadline.
While it has been widely stated that Lammens is not joining as a new first-choice goalkeeper, if Bayındır and Onana fail to improve their form, the Belgian may become Amorim’s new first-choice shot-stopper by default.
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