Manchester United’s long-running search for stability between the posts continues, despite the summer signing of Belgian goalkeeper
Senne Lammens from Royal Antwerp.
The 22-year-old arrived at Old Trafford for around £18 million and was billed as a long-term project rather than an immediate solution.
However, manager
Ruben Amorim has already admitted there is no clear No.1, underlining the uncertainty that still surrounds United’s goalkeeping department.
The issue stems from inconsistency. Altay Bayindir has started most league matches so far, but he has made plenty of errors and doesn't give confidence to the back four.
Andre Onana, once expected to be United’s mainstay after his high-profile arrival from Inter Milan, failed to convince and has now been loaned out to Trabzonspor.
Meanwhile, veteran Tom Heaton remains a dependable figure off the pitch, but at 39 his role is firmly limited to mentoring and depth.
Lammens, talented though he is, was never expected to solve the problem overnight. Seen more as an investment for the future, he faces the challenge of adapting quickly to the demands of the Premier League if he is to stake a serious claim for the No.1 jersey.
United are still reportedly monitoring other options, including World Cup-winning Aston Villa keeper Emiliano Martínez, a move that would bring proven pedigree but at significant cost.
Amorim has tried to frame the situation positively, insisting that competition will bring the best out of his keepers.
Uncertainty in goal creates instability in defence, particularly in high-pressure games where communication and confidence are vital. United’s back line, already under scrutiny, needs assurance from behind them.
The dilemma reflects a broader trend at Old Trafford: a team in transition, balancing long-term planning with immediate results.
Lammens may yet grow into the role, but until a goalkeeper truly commands the position, United’s ambitions will remain undermined by fragility at the back. For a club chasing consistency at the top level, the search for a trusted goalkeeper is far from over.