Manchester United reach ‘total agreement’ for new signing amid ongoing goalkeeping drama

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Senne Lammens to Man United deal done

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.

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.

Many are arguing it could also be some fancy footwork and transfer posturing from INEOS.

Lammens faced a total of 20 more shots than any other goalkeeper in Europe’s top 10 leagues last season, and as per expert statistician and tactical commentator ‘Statman Dave’ O’Brien, he prevented goals at a better rate than club legend David de Gea did in his record-breaking 17/18 season.

For anyone wondering why they went after him, some will say the numbers speak for themselves.

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.

Kobbie Mainoo asked Manchester United for a loan away – and the club rejected him
The talented fan favourite feels he needs more minutes – do you agree?

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Featured Images — Royal Antwerp (screenshots via YouTube)