West Ham have reportedly opened talks through intermediaries to sign one of Manchester United’s goalkeepers amid Senne Lammens’ potential transfer to Old Trafford.
André Onana was dropped after the Europa League final against Tottenham Hotspur, with Altay Bayındır taking his place for the final Premier League match of the season against Aston Villa.
The Turkish international was also first-choice for the post-season tour in Asia, as Onana picked up an injury that kept him out of the two fixtures. A separate injury kept the former Ajax goalkeeper out of pre-season, but he returned from injury a week before the first match against Arsenal.
Despite being available for selection, Onana was left out of the matchday squad for the Premier League opener, with Bayındır starting and Tom Heaton on the bench. Many thought the Cameroonian would return for Manchester United’s trip to Fulham.
However, Bayındır was again chosen as the starting shotstopper – even after his error that saw United lose against Arsenal – with Onana on the substitutes bench.
The Red Devils also look close to signing Senne Lammens from Royal Antwerp, who was expected to compete with Onana for the starting place, but the situation may now have changed.
West Ham open talks for Onana
With Bayındır chosen ahead of Onana for the first two games, a move away from Old Trafford could be the best option if he wants to play regular football.
United In Focus, via Graeme Bailey, has reported that West Ham United has opened talks with intermediaries about the possible signing of Onana, despite recently signing Mads Hermansen from Leicester City.
Rúben Amorim’s decision to leave Onana on the bench against Fulham has “shocked him and a number of teammates”, and his situation at Old Trafford has now changed.
The former Barcelona academy goalkeeper was expected to compete with Lammens if the Belgian joined the club, but Bailey has said, “Lammens was never really seen as coming straight in as number one, but it could play out in that way.”
Bayindir may now be the man to compete with the 23-year-old if United can agree a deal to sign him, with less than a week before the transfer deadline on September 1. However, Lammens could immediately take the starting spot.
Bayindir needs to improve quickly
Bayındır has had an interesting start to the season, with a woeful mistake against Arsenal and similar issues against Fulham, yet an impressive performance with his feet.
His distribution against Mikel Arteta’s side was impeccable, and his pass to Matheus Cunha against Fulham deserved a goal, but a brilliant stop from Bernd Leno denied Cunha’s shot.
Bayındır could be set for a serious run of games for United, even if they do sign Lammens, but he needs to improve his set-piece defending quickly if he wants to keep his place.
At every corner kick, United fans fear for their life as Bayındır flaps at the ball; even Amorim couldn’t watch a corner against Fulham. He simply must get better, or he will become a target for every Premier League side.
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