Manchester United are said to have reached a complete agreement for the transfer of goalkeeper Senne Lammens, as their trouble in the crucial position continues.
The Belgian shot-stopper, who currently plays for Royal Antwerp FC, emerged as a target a few weeks ago after yet more errors in between the sticks for Man United.
In addition to André Onana having developed a reputation for making mistakes in net for the Red Devils, rotation keeper, Altay Bayındır, has also recorded errors of his own, including gifting Burnley their equaliser this past weekend (Saturday, 30 September).
Although the club are said to have been working on a deal for some time, it now looks as though the pair could soon play second fiddle to a new number one in Lammens, who is set to sign a five-year deal with United imminently.
Still just 23, not only does he fit the younger age profile of the players that both Ruben Amorim and Man United’s recruitment department are looking to bed in, but he’s already thrown up some impressive stats in his career thus far.
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The former Club Brugge youth only made his Royal Antwerp debut back in November 2023, but went on to win the Belgian Super Cup as part of the side and has now made a total of 64 appearances.
United were also being linked with a more experienced and Premier League-proven alternative in Emi Martinez; however, the move was reportedly abandoned after Aston Villa were unwilling to sign their inbound new MUFC loanee, Jadon Sancho, on a permanent and potential swap deal.
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Many are arguing it could also be some fancy footwork and transfer posturing from INEOS.
For anyone wondering why they went after him, some will say the numbers speak for themselves.
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Others will point out that there is a gulf in quality between the Belgian first division and the Premier League.
Man United are said to be paying Antwerp a fee of roughly £18.2 million plus add-ons for Lammens’ services, with summer signing number five having already been pictured boarding a private jet in Belgium ahead of his flight to Manchester.
It is thought that Amorim could hold on to both Onana and Altay as part of his wider squad, with some room for rotation still alive as his team are still in the FA Cup, especially given that it remains to be seen how Lammens will take to life in English football.
Some fans have even been calling for back-up Tom Heaton to be brought into the starting lineup for now after looking like a safe pair of hands on this year’s pre-season tour. Regardless, Lammens’ arrival will surely see at least one set of gloves leaving Old Trafford if not in this window, then come January.
Reds will be both glad and somewhat concerned to hear that academy product Kobbie Mainoo asked to leave on loan before deadline day after questions over his playing time.
Featured Images — Royal Antwerp (screenshots via YouTube)
Sport
Super League Basketball Cup Finals return to Manchester for second year running
Danny Jones
Following the roaring success of last season’s epic conclusion, the 2026/27 Super League Basketball (SLB) Cup Finals are returning to the AO in Manchester.
Coming back for a second consecutive edition, the SLB’s domestic cup finals tournament will be taking over the city centre’s historic sporting and entertainment space for what is sure to be an even more exciting contest than the previous.
Intertwining themselves even deeper with UK basketball’s premier division, we’ll be hoping we can carry the home advantage all the way this time around.
Landing early next year, the arena’s bowl will be turned into a basketball venue which will host the top teams and talents throughout Britain.
Showcasing some of the very best men’s and women’s stars, this is one of the competition’s biggest flagship dates on the national calendar.
Offering clubs the first real chance of winning major silverware in the annual campaign, the organisers are urging fans to grab their tickets earlier than ever this year, with interest in the domestic game increasing constantly.
Local fans really showed up this past spring.
Set to take place on Sunday, 21 March 2027, next year’s deciders will see the female final tip off in the early afternoon, before the men’s players take to the court for a chance at the trophy.
In Manc basketball news, MCR have confirmed several key signings ahead of the new term, including a former London Lion.
SLB’s Head of Events, Clare Holmes, said in a statement: “We’re thrilled to be bringing the SLB Cup Finals back to the AO Arena for a second consecutive year.
“Last season’s event demonstrated the incredible appetite for elite basketball in Manchester, with a fantastic atmosphere created by supporters from across the country.
“Our goal is to continue raising the bar for our major events, and we’re excited to welcome fans back for another unforgettable day celebrating the very best of Super League Basketball.”
Early pre-sale access will be available to fans signed up to the official mailing list from Monday, 10 August, while general admission tickets go live at 10am the following week (17 Aug).
Featured Images — Publicity pictures (supplied via AO Arena/MCR Basketball)
Sport
Manchester United announce plans for first permanent fan zone at Old Trafford
Danny Jones
Manchester United have revealed the first glimpse at a brand-new fan zone at Old Trafford – the first permanent one of its kind at the ground.
Dubbed ‘The Paddock’ in a nod to the club’s history, the official Man United supporter park is due to open later this year.
Set to be fully unveiled just metres from the Stretford End, the aim is to make it “the closest place to the stadium to enjoy great local food, drink, and lively entertainment.”
The new addition comes after recent consultations with regular season ticket holders who want a dedicated and club-sanctioned space to enjoy themselves before, during and after fixtures.
As you can see from the brief look we’ve now gotten at the fan park, which will be able to hold approximately 1,300 Reds, The Paddock will revolve around food and drink – including some self-service bars – as well as space for live music and other entertainment.
We know the above image is only a little artist’s mock-up, but you can picture local grassroots musicians who support the team being given the opportunity to play the stage, etc.
Rick McGagh, Director of Fan Engagement at United, said: “We’re delighted that in partnership with Levy, we have implemented a wide range of changes to enhance matchdays, bringing greater choice and better service for supporters across the stadium – something fans have told us they want.”
An official statement goes on to read that “the proposed fan zone is the latest example of our continued investment in the atmosphere, fan experience and facilities at Old Trafford, while progressing plans for a new world-class stadium.”
Speaking of which, we recently got more details on where exactly ‘New Trafford’ (not a confirmed title, just FYI) will sit in relation to the existing Theatre of Dreams.
Wharfside will look VERY different in the years to come.
Obviously, all of this news comes as somewhat temporary by default given that we now know the vision of Man United’s new stadium is finally starting to move forward.
However, it is nevertheless good news for matchgoers looking for places to spend extended periods near the venue when going to a game.
At present, this is all still subject to full planning permission, but with former Old Trafford Regeneration Taskforce Members and Greater Manchester Mayor turned Prime Minister Andy Burnham now at the helm, you’d expect something like this to pass through smoothly and quickly.
With an autumn opening date currently set for the opening of The Paddock, it will be interesting to see how well-attended it is given some of the recent sentiments and frustrations surrounding many of the most loyal and dedicated Man United fans.
In case you missed it, even a six-year-old kid and former mascot has seen his ticket restricted due to the attempted crackdown on touts. 😬
Danny Jones -
1st September 2025 
