It’s not often that Manchester United legends openly question the club’s transfer strategy, but Peter Schmeichel has done just that.
The former goalkeeper, who remains one of the most respected voices in football, has admitted he is baffled by United’s decision to bring in Senne Lammens this summer.
Schmeichel went as far as to say he had never even heard of the 23-year-old Belgian before his move from Antwerp.
And in his view, the club passed up on more reliable, proven options.
United’s Search for a No. 1
Finding the right goalkeeper has been a thorn in Ruben Amorim’s side since taking over.
Andre Onana struggled to settle and has now been sent on loan to Trabzonspor after a series of high-profile mistakes.
To address the issue, United paid £21 million for Lammens, a signing that has already raised eyebrows.
But what makes it more controversial is that the club were heavily linked with Aston Villa’s Emiliano Martinez and PSG’s Gianluigi Donnarumma—two players with elite experience and strong reputations.
Missed Opportunities at the Top Level
Martinez, Argentina’s World Cup-winning goalkeeper, had been keen on a switch to Old Trafford.
Donnarumma, meanwhile, ended up joining Manchester City, where he wasted no time making an impact, shining in last weekend’s derby victory over United.
For Schmeichel, this was a huge mistake. Speaking to SunSport via Sky Bet, he was blunt:
“We should have signed Emi Martinez. In fact, we should have gone for Gianluigi Donnarumma when we had the chance.
Martinez is exactly the kind of goalkeeper Manchester United should have.”
Can Lammens Handle the Pressure?
While Lammens is regarded as a promising talent, Schmeichel believes the risk is too great for a club of United’s stature.
The Belgian showed solid numbers in Belgium’s top flight, but Schmeichel stressed that statistics don’t measure how a keeper responds to errors or handles the unforgiving spotlight of Old Trafford.
“That pressure is unlike anywhere else in football,” he said. “Stats don’t show how you react after a mistake.”
For him, Lammens is a gamble at a time when sure bets were available.
Martinez Left Disappointed
Reports suggest Martinez had his heart set on joining United, only to be left frustrated when the move never materialised.
With the Argentine staying at Villa Park and Donnarumma thriving in Manchester City colours, the decision feels even more costly in hindsight.
Altay Bayindir, meanwhile, started the recent derby, but United supporters will soon want to see whether Lammens can live up to the expectations of wearing the famous No. 1 shirt.
Big Test Against Chelsea
United’s next challenge comes quickly, with Chelsea visiting Old Trafford in Saturday’s late kick-off.
Amorim faces a tough call—stick with Bayindir or hand Lammens his debut in one of the most high-pressure fixtures of the season.
How Lammens copes, if given the chance, could shape United’s campaign.
Will this be the moment the club’s gamble pays off, or will it turn into another costly goalkeeping saga?
Schmeichel’s Outspoken Streak
This isn’t the first time Schmeichel has ruffled feathers recently.
Earlier in the season, he criticised Mikel Arteta’s Arsenal for what he described as “ugly football” in their 1-0 defeat to Liverpool.
“Arteta, let your team play football! Let them loose, let them be free,” he urged.
“I am absolutely convinced that if he does this, Arsenal will win more games.”
Schmeichel’s words might divide opinion, but they carry weight.
And when it comes to United’s goalkeeper decision, his doubts echo what many fans are already thinking.