Manchester United look set to reignite their interest in a former goalkeeper target, despite Rúben Amorim’s strong defence of Altay Bayindir after his mistake against Arsenal in the Premier League.
Manchester United suffered a 1-0 defeat to Arsenal in their opening fixture of the Premier League season, but looked largely the better side and could’ve been awarded a penalty for a foul on Matheus Cunha late in the game.
Bryan Mbeumo impressed the fans with his performance from the right-hand side of attacking midfield, and came close to scoring an acrobatic bicycle kick towards the end of the second half.
While Rúben Amorim’s side looked much better than last season, some concerns remain as Altay Bayindir started in goal, despite Andre Onana being available for selection after returning from an injury that kept him out of pre-season.
The Turkish shotstopper was at fault for Arsenal’s goal, as he was bullied by William Saliba and chose to flap an open hand at the ball, rather than punching it clear.
Amorim defender Bayinidr in the post-match press conference when questioned on choosing him ahead of Tom Heaton, but links to goalkeeper targets have re-emerged nonetheless.
United re-enter Lammens’ race
After Bayindir’s error against Arsenal, many fans have called for Jason Wilcox and the recruitment team to sign a goalkeeper before the end of the transfer window, and the club appeared to have listened.
TeamTalk have reported that “United recently touched base again about the situation of [Senne] Lammens,” a Belgian shotstopper who was close to joining the club earlier in the window.
The Royal Antwerp goalkeeper has been one of United’s main goalkeeper targets, along with Aston Villa’s Emiliano Martínez, but the club have yet to make an offer for Lammens, who has been described as ‘brilliant’.
Inter Milan are also eyeing a move for the 23-year-old, but “United sources say the club are convinced they would win the race to sign him,” says TeamTalk.
If Lammens does join United, he is more likely to provide competition for Onana, rather than immediately taking the starting spot – unlike Martínez, who would demand a first-team place.
Wilcox should sign an experienced goalkeeper
Since Sir Jim Ratcliffe purchased a stake in United, the transfer strategy has favoured signing young players for a cheaper value, rather than expensive players who have little experience in the Premier League.
While United have spent big this summer – Cunha, Mbeumo and Benjamin Šeško cost over £200 million combined – they have still focused on signing young players, rather than older options who won’t have a sell-on value.
However, in between the sticks, United should sign an experienced shotstopper that could help stabilise the side, while Amorim looks to rebuild the club.
The young goalkeeping talent already at the club, Elyh Harrison and Radek Vitek, are both highly rated by the coaching staff and could join the first-team squad soon, but signing another young goalkeeper could block their involvement.
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