Manchester United’s shaky start to the Premier League season has reignited debates over their goalkeeping situation, with club legend Rio Ferdinand voicing doubts about whether new target Senne Lammens has what it takes to solve the Red Devils’ woes in net.
Red Devils Struggle in Early Fixtures
United currently sit 16th in the table after failing to win either of their opening two league matches.
The season began with a painful defeat to Arsenal at Old Trafford, followed by a 1-1 draw at Fulham.
Despite these setbacks, manager Ruben Amorim’s side has shown glimpses of improvement compared to last year.
Signs of Promise but Vulnerability at the Back
Defensively, Amorim has stuck with his favored back three of Leny Yoro, Matthijs de Ligt, and Luke Shaw, forming a promising partnership.
Up front, new signings Matheus Cunha and Bryan Mbuemo have added spark.
But the team’s Achilles’ heel remains clear: goalkeeping.
Altay Bayindir has taken over as first-choice keeper in place of last season’s regular Andre Onana, who now seems surplus to requirements.
The Turkish international has struggled under pressure, particularly dealing with crosses and distributing the ball, despite his manager’s public support.
United Eye Senne Lammens
In response, United’s management, including Jason Wilcox and Omar Berrarda, have reportedly made a late move to sign Royal Antwerp’s 23-year-old goalkeeper, Senne Lammens.
The Belgian missed his side’s recent match against Mechelen but is believed to be close to completing a move to the Premier League after agreeing personal terms with the club.
Rio Ferdinand Urges More Experience
However, Rio Ferdinand has questioned whether Lammens is truly the answer for United.
Speaking on his Rio Ferdinand Presents YouTube channel, the former defender argued that the club might need a more experienced goalkeeper to steady the ship.
“United have entered negotiations for Senne Lammens, who is a young 23-year-old keeper from Antwerp, but he’s not experienced,” Ferdinand said.
“Is this more about squad depth rather than someone who will play immediately? Do Manchester United need someone who can bring stability, or are they trusting Bayindir and Onana to fight it out for number one?”
Ferdinand also highlighted the challenges posed by Onana’s upcoming AFCON participation, which could further complicate the goalkeeper situation.
“As a defender, I know that uncertainty behind me creates panic.
To be consistent and successful, you can’t have that,” he added.
Bayindir Shows Potential but Appears Nervous
While describing Bayindir’s performances as “shaky,” Ferdinand acknowledged the 27-year-old has potential.
“Onana hasn’t found consistency yet, and his replacement looks nervous from set-pieces,” he said.
“Bayindir shows potential, but he looks jittery, especially under crosses, and at the weekend there was a costly mistake. Defensively, we look vulnerable.”
Ferdinand drew on his own experiences at United to underline the importance of experience in goal.
“I came to the club when Fabian Barthez was there, and before him Peter Schmeichel.
Barthez was a World Cup winner and still didn’t look comfortable.
Tim Howard, Roy Carroll, Tomasz Kuszczak, Ricardo — until we got Edwin van der Sar, who had the experience and proved exceptional. It’s not an easy position to fill.”
Carabao Cup Clash Offers Opportunities
United travel to Grimsby this evening for a Carabao Cup second-round tie, where Amorim is expected to rotate his squad heavily.
Players like Kobbie Mainoo and Joshua Zirkzee, who haven’t featured yet this season, are likely to get minutes.
New signing Benjamin Sesko could also make his first start after brief substitute appearances in the opening games.
