Manchester United’s goalkeeper situation is a troubling area of the pitch that needs improvement, and there is no excuse not to change.
Altay Bayindir started the first two games for Manchester United this season, and he was far from perfect in those appearances.
Andre Onana was rotated in against Grimsby Town, and spectacularly blew his chance. Both on the pitch, and his chance to redeem himself in the shootout.
Onana conceded an effort at his near post to give Grimsby the lead. He got a touch on it, but as we have seen frequently with him, it was not strong enough.
The second goal was a disaster, with Onana flapping at a corner, leaving former United trainee Tyler Warren the chance to tap into an empty net.
United drew the game 2-2 over 90 minutes, before losing the penalty shootout 12-11, with Bryan Mbeumo missing the final spot-kick.
Andre Onana rests against the post, in goal for Manchester United
Photo by George Wood/Getty Images
Andre Onana shootout frustration
Andre Onana and Manchester United were given a second chance to progress, after Harry Maguire’s late equaliser.
Onana famously had success in the 2024 FA Cup semi-final shootout against Coventry City, but he was found wanting against Grimsby.
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He saved only one of 12 penalties he faced, and while he scored one himself, his fundamentals were not good enough.
Onana touched five of the 12 penalties, but four of them still found their way into the net, with his hands not strong enough to keep them out.
Statistics from Sofascore show that Onana conceded 50 per cent of the shots he faced during the 90 minutes.
Andre Onana stats vs Grimsby
Andre Onana stats vs Grimsby
Senne Lammens is a penalty specialist
Manchester United are looking to sign Belgian goalkeeper Senne Lammens from Royal Antwerp, BBC Sport report.
Lammens, 23, is highly rated and favours a move to Manchester United, amid interest from Galatasaray.
Data provided by Sofascore show how he has carved out a speciality in the area Andre Onana failed, saving penalties.
Last season Lammens saved four penalties, demonstrating a real strength Manchester United could benefit from.
If United had treated the goalkeeper position with more urgency prior to the season, then Senne Lammens could have been starting for Manchester United against Grimsby.
He won’t be signed in time to face Burnley this weekend either. Perhaps a baptism of fire against City in mid-September?