Manchester United weigh experience against potential as Amorim backs Lammens to step into the spotlight
Manchester United considered various options for a new goalkeeper in the summer transfer window, and Emiliano Martinez was one of them. Many fans might have thought United would sign the Argentine World Cup winner to solve their goalkeeping woes. However, Ruben Amorim’s side did not strike a deal with Aston Villa despite evaluating the 33-year-old. The club finally signed Senne Lammens on deadline day for £18.2 million plus add-ons. Amorim has also made it clear that Manchester United will prefer Altay Bayindir over Lammens in the starting XI against Manchester City. This has intensified debate among fans about the goalkeeper position.
Trust in the young goalkeeper
The Belgian made 64 appearances for Antwerp and played a key role in winning the Belgian Super Cup in 2023. The club believe he is the right long-term investment and has the potential to become the number one goalkeeper in future. Fabrizio Romano told GiveMeSport that United fully trust Lammens and considers him a solution for both the present and the future. He added that the club made a well-thought-out decision, and they believe Lammens can become the starting goalkeeper one day. Ruben Amorim also praised Lammens before the Manchester derby and described his talent as special for the club. This shows how seriously the management regards him.
“I think Manchester United really trust him (Lammens) for the present and also for the future. They believe that this is one of the best young goalkeepers in the world. They wanted Lammens strongly, and they decided to go for him because they believe he’s the solution for the present and future. And I’m sure that Lammens has very good chances to be the starting goalkeeper at Manchester United.”
Quote via: TEAMtalk
Author Opinion
United’s decision should not be seen as just a transfer move, but as strategic thinking. An experienced player like Martinez would have brought immediate stability and assurance, but Lammens’ age and potential make him a better option for the long term. ESPN reports that the club consider him a long-term project, and that seems to be the right move. The 23-year-old goalkeeper could continue to improve over the coming years, and if he develops correctly, United will not have to worry about the position for a long time.
Manchester United prioritised Senne Lammens over Emiliano Martinez
Manchester United prioritised Senne Lammens over Emiliano Martinez
The question is how United can find immediate stability. The departure of Andre Onana and the shaky performances of Altay Bayindir have left the goalkeeping department uncertain. Bayindir is currently getting early chances, but United will have to give Lammens minutes gradually so that he can adapt to the Premier League. Both experience and patience are essential in this process.
The advantage is that a young player like Lammens not only has potential for development, but also significant future value to the club. Martinez, on the other hand, could have offered immediate Premier League confidence and dominance. However, United put the future first, and that is what defines the club. The Red Devils have historically provided opportunities for young talent and turned them into big stars. If the Belgian gradually cements his place, this decision will go down as one of the biggest transfer masterstrokes in years.