Manchester United’s goalkeeping saga has taken a dramatic turn as the club navigates a critical transition between the posts. Following months of speculation, criticism, and high-profile transfer pursuits, United’s management finally made decisive moves to reshape their last line of defense, setting the stage for a new era under manager Ruben Amorim.
The 2024/25 campaign was anything but smooth for United’s goalkeepers. Andre Onana, once hailed for his Champions League heroics with Inter Milan, found himself under intense scrutiny after a string of costly errors. His most glaring mistake came during United’s EFL Cup exit at the hands of Grimsby Town on August 27, 2025—a blunder that many believe was the final straw for his tenure at Old Trafford. Altay Bayindir, the club’s backup, fared no better. The Turkish international’s shaky start included a much-discussed misstep that gifted Arsenal the winning goal on the opening day of the Premier League season. Legendary midfielder and pundit Roy Keane didn’t hold back, saying, “Be aggressive. I’ve said it many times for a goalkeeper—come with violence. Take control of it. Far too easy. It’s like schoolboy stuff. Man United—weak and soft.”
With both Onana and Bayindir struggling, Amorim and the United hierarchy knew changes were needed. The club had already splashed out around £200 million to bolster their attack, bringing in Benjamin Sesko, Bryan Mbeumo, and Matheus Cunha. But it was between the sticks where the pressure was mounting, and the need for a solution became urgent as the transfer window deadline approached.
Rumors swirled throughout the summer about potential high-profile arrivals. Emiliano Martinez of Aston Villa emerged as a top target. The Argentine shot-stopper, fresh off a strong season and a World Cup triumph, was reportedly “excited about the prospect of playing for Manchester United,” according to Argentina boss Lionel Scaloni. “Of course, he must have been excited about the idea of playing for Manchester United, as people have said, but he’s a positive kid. He’s already focused on us, and when he returns to his club, he’ll be focused on them. I saw him well,” Scaloni said, reflecting on Martinez’s mood after the transfer fell through. In the end, United’s pursuit of Martinez was thwarted, with reports suggesting that Jadon Sancho’s refusal to join Villa as part of the deal played a role in the collapse.
Attention quickly shifted to other targets. Gianluigi Donnarumma’s name briefly surfaced, but it was Senne Lammens, the 23-year-old Belgian from Royal Antwerp, who ultimately became United’s solution. United moved swiftly, sealing an £18 million deal with Royal Antwerp on deadline day, including add-ons. While Lammens lacks Premier League experience, his recent performances in Belgium have caught the eye. He was named Royal Antwerp’s 2024-25 Player of the Season after a campaign filled with highlight-reel saves and impressive consistency.
Statistically, Lammens outperformed both Onana and Bayindir on several key metrics over the past year. His goals against per 90 minutes stood at 1.11, compared to Onana’s 1.30. He boasted a save percentage of 79.9%, far surpassing Onana’s 70.2%. Even more striking, Lammens saved 80% of penalties faced, while Onana managed just 14.3%. The Belgian also showed greater command in the box, stopping 13.3% of crosses compared to Onana’s 5.4%. These numbers fueled optimism that Lammens could be the upgrade United so desperately needed.
But with promise comes risk. Lammens has only one full season of top-flight football under his belt, all in Belgium. Making the leap to the Premier League—a league notorious for its relentless pace and unforgiving spotlight—will be no small feat. Questions linger about whether the 23-year-old can handle the pressure cooker environment of Old Trafford, where expectations remain sky-high despite recent struggles.
Meanwhile, the arrivals and departures carousel is still spinning. As of September 4, 2025, United’s leadership has made it clear: they are open to offers for both Onana and Bayindir. The European transfer window may have closed, but the Saudi Pro League and Turkish Super Lig windows remain open until September 23 and September 12, respectively. This offers United a valuable opportunity to offload one of their underperforming keepers. According to The Sun, “Manchester United careers of either Onana or Bayindir could be over this month.” Club chiefs have decided not to sell both at this stage, but they “will listen to offers,” leaving the door open for a late move.
Manager Ruben Amorim has reportedly informed Onana directly that he is free to leave, giving the Cameroonian the green light to explore opportunities elsewhere. Onana, who earns £120,000 per week, is attracting interest from Saudi clubs, and talks are underway. United are also open to offers from other leagues, but the extended Saudi window makes a move there particularly likely. Bayindir, for his part, is seen as a backup at best and could also depart if the right offer materializes, especially with Turkish clubs still in the market.
While the goalkeeper situation has dominated headlines, it’s important to note that United’s summer overhaul extended beyond the back line. The additions of Sesko, Mbeumo, and Cunha signal a renewed focus on attacking firepower after the team managed just 44 league goals in the 2024-25 season. However, vulnerabilities persist in midfield, with established names like Bruno Fernandes, Casemiro, and Manuel Ugarte struggling to assert dominance against top opposition. The club’s transfer activity has addressed some glaring needs, but questions remain about whether all weaknesses have been properly fixed.
As the international break arrives, all eyes will be on Lammens, who is expected to step straight into the starting XI once club action resumes. The pressure is immense, and the scrutiny will be relentless. Can the young Belgian rise to the occasion and bring stability to United’s goal? Or will the club’s gamble in the transfer market leave them searching for answers once again?
For now, the action is ongoing both on and off the pitch. Manchester United’s goalkeeping drama is far from over, and the coming weeks could see more twists as the transfer windows in Saudi Arabia and Turkey tick down. Supporters will be watching closely, hoping that the club’s bold moves finally pay off and restore confidence in a position that has been anything but secure.
