Lammens’ Arrival Brings Stability to United’s Goalkeeping Dilemma

As Andre Onana was loaned to Trabzonspor, he had exhausted all excuses for his decline. His rapid fall from grace mirrored the larger crisis faced by Manchester United. In the wake of Onana’s exit, manager Ruben Amorim turned to Altay Bayindir, the Turkish international who had been waiting in the wings. However, Bayindir’s opportunity to secure the No. 1 position quickly devolved into chaos.

Faced with an urgent need for a new goalkeeper, the United management acted swiftly, acquiring 23-year-old Belgian Lammens from Royal Antwerp for £18 million on deadline day. While few outside Belgium were familiar with him, the gamble appears to be paying off at Old Trafford. With three wins and a draw in their last four matches, United has surged up the table and now sits just two points behind second-placed Manchester City.

Former Newcastle and Republic of Ireland goalkeeper Shay Given offered a candid assessment of United’s goalkeeping situation, lavishing praise on the newcomer Lammens. In an interview with 10bet, Given stated, “Both Bayindir and Onana faced their struggles; there’s simply no denying that they failed to perform consistently enough to claim the position. Whether it was psychological or a question of talent, the situation had to be addressed. Lammens has introduced a sense of calmness.”

He emphasized the importance of a goalkeeper’s presence, saying, “Having a goalkeeper who exudes calm can significantly mitigate the chaos in front of him. What truly impressed me during his debut was not just the saves he made, but how he confidently claimed high balls. The entire crowd erupted, and it felt like we finally had a goalkeeper fulfilling his role as expected. He came, he caught it, and that’s been a long-standing desire for fans and players alike.”

For Given, consistency is paramount: “You want a goalkeeper who delivers a steady seven out of ten week in and week out, without panic. That’s what Lammens offers United, which aligns with what Ruben Amorim is seeking.”

Given also commented on rumors that Onana had sought a pay rise this season amid his struggles. “I’d be surprised if that was the case, given his inconsistency and mistakes. It hardly seemed like the right time to negotiate for a new contract, so I’d be astonished if he did ask for a raise.”

In stark contrast to the turbulent period preceding his arrival, Lammens presents himself as refreshingly modest, focusing on fundamental tasks rather than unnecessary bravado. “When times are tough, criticism comes quickly, and when things go well, praise is abundant. I’m not overly concerned with public opinion. I understood the significance of my debut against Sunderland; it was crucial to make a good first impression, and I believe I did that. Even if my saves weren’t spectacular, I projected calmness, which I take pride in.”

United now faces a pivotal stretch of fixtures, with a match against Tottenham Hotspur on Saturday, followed by games against Everton and Crystal Palace on November 24 and 30, respectively. Amorim recognizes the importance of momentum, especially after United’s tendency to stumble due to their own instability. However, with Lammens in goal, there is a renewed sense that, for the first time in a significant while, the team can build from the back without trepidation.