By the time André Onana was loaned to Trabzonspor, he had exhausted all excuses for his performance. His rapid decline reflected the larger crisis at Manchester United. Following Onana’s exit, manager Ruben Amorim opted for Altay Bayindir, the Turkish international who had been patiently waiting for his opportunity. However, Bayindir’s attempt to solidify the No. 1 spot quickly turned chaotic. Faced with an urgent need for a new goalkeeper, the United management secured 23-year-old Belgian André Lammens from Royal Antwerp for £18 million on deadline day. While few outside Belgium were familiar with him, his arrival at Old Trafford may already be yielding positive results. With three wins and a draw in their last four matches, Manchester United has climbed the league table and is now just two points behind second-placed Manchester City. Former Newcastle and Republic of Ireland goalkeeper Shay Given did not hold back in his assessment of United’s goalkeeping situation, offering high praise for the Belgian newcomer. In an interview with 10bet, he remarked, “Both Bayindir and Onana were struggling at times; there’s no denying it. They were unable to perform consistently at the necessary level. Whether it was a psychological issue or a matter of talent, the goalkeeping situation needed resolution. Lammens has introduced a sense of calm. “In any team, having a goalkeeper with a commanding presence and composure can significantly reduce the chaos in front of him. What stood out during his debut was not just the impressive saves, but his command of high balls. The entire stadium collectively recognized that finally, there is a goalkeeper who fulfills his role effectively. He came, he caught the ball, and both fans and players had long yearned for such assurance.” For Given, consistency is paramount: “When it comes to goalkeepers, you want someone who delivers a consistent seven out of ten each week, rather than fluctuating between nine and three. That is what Lammens brings to United, and it is exactly what Ruben Amorim desires.” Given also commented on rumors that Onana had requested a pay rise earlier this season despite his inconsistent performance. “I would be surprised by that, given his mistakes and lack of consistency. I wouldn’t think it was the ideal moment to seek a new contract, so if he indeed asked for a raise, that surprises me.” In stark contrast to the turmoil surrounding him, Lammens presents himself as refreshingly humble, prioritizing the fundamentals over unnecessary bravado. “When things go poorly, you are quickly criticized, and when they go well, you receive excessive praise. I’m not overly concerned with public perception. However, I understood the significance of my debut against Sunderland and aimed to make a strong first impression, which I believe I did. Although I did not make any spectacular saves, I exuded calmness, which I take pride in.” United now faces crucial fixtures, starting with an away 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. This season, the team has stumbled too often, plagued by instability. However, with Lammens in goal, there is a renewed sense that they can build from the back without fear for the first time in a long while.
