Manchester United left Senne Lammens out of the Manchester derby, preferring Altay Bayindir.
Manchester City came into the derby off the back of two defeats. Their new goalkeeper Gianluigi Donnarumma brought an instant calm to their defence, and helped to shut out United’s threat.
At the other end, Manchester United opted to stick with the uninspiring Altay Bayindir in goal, and leave new signing Senne Lammens on the bench.
United lost the game 3-0, with fans left wondering what might have been if Ruben Amorim had started new signing Lammens in his place.
Altay Bayindir in Man Utd shirt, as City player celebrates in background
Photo by Simon Stacpoole/Offside/Offside via Getty Images
United’s Bayindir over Lammens call questioned
Manchester United’s decision to select Bayindir was a big talking point, leaving the question open as to when exactly Lammens might make his debut.
Former Belgian top flight manager Johan Boskamp felt the call was ridiculous, commenting: “I would have started him straight away.”
Boskamp was asked by Voetbal Primeur if he agreed with United’s call to start Lammens in a non-derby fixture.
He responded: “Nonsense! We’re talking about Manchester United here. One of the most highly publicized clubs in the world. No matter who they play, there’s always pressure.
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“Every little mistake is magnified. That’s just part of being a club. If you can’t handle that, you shouldn’t sign there.”
Debut at Old Trafford would be ideal
It would be understandable if Ruben Amorim simply stated he wanted one extra week with Senne Lammens on the training ground.
Next weekend Manchester United host Chelsea at Old Trafford, and this is the perfect moment to bring the Belgian in.
Lammens will get the full support of United’s home fans in a big game atmosphere, and there is no better way to get acclimatised to life at the club.
Making him wait might make him better prepared, or it might add to the trepidation and nerves he may feel when he does eventually make his debut.
Bayindir is clearly not the answer, so it is surely time to put some trust in the player who United feel could be the solution.