Manchester United made a transfer deadline day move this summer that immediately caught the eye. The club signed young Belgian goalkeeper Senne Lammens from Royal Antwerp for around £18.1 million. At just 23 years old, he has been handed a five-year contract, a huge opportunity at one of the biggest clubs in the world.
United were attracted by Lammens’ shot-stopping ability and composure on the ball, and the player himself chose Old Trafford despite interest from several other clubs. While he is unlikely to be given the No. 1 role right away, he is determined to prove that he can become the backbone of the team in the future.
The story doesn’t end there, though. United’s signing of Lammens was clearly part of a long-term strategy, but reports suggest the club are still in the market for an established goalkeeper. Spanish outlet Fichajes has revealed that AC Milan’s French star Mike Maignan is facing a contract stand-off, with his current deal set to expire next summer.
The 30-year-old is regarded as one of Europe’s most reliable goalkeepers, and his situation presents a golden opportunity for United. The pull of the Premier League, combined with United’s global stature, could tempt him to England. Club officials reportedly believe that Maignan’s experience and stability would instantly make him a leading option between the posts.
Meanwhile, Andre Onana’s inconsistent form and Altay Bayindir’s limited opportunities suggest Amorim is not fully convinced by his current goalkeeping options. There have even been reports of interest from Monaco and Saudi clubs in Onana, further clouding his future.
The big question now is whether United should move for Maignan in January, despite already adding Lammens. The answer appears to be yes. Lammens clearly has potential; his 76.8% save rate in the Belgian Pro League last season is proof of his talent, but he is still untested at the very highest level.
United need a reliable No. 1 immediately, and Maignan offers exactly that. The Frenchman has already proven his quality time and again in Serie A and the Champions League. At 30, he brings the stability and authority that Onana has yet to consistently demonstrate.
Selling Onana could also work in the club’s favour. His £120,000-a-week wages and repeated errors have damaged confidence within the squad. If United can secure a buyer, the funds could help finance new signings. Bayindir and Lammens could then serve as the No. 2 and No. 3 goalkeepers, allowing Lammens time to develop without pressure.
Maignan’s arrival would instantly strengthen United’s fragile defence. His positioning, reflexes, and organizational skills set him apart from Onana, while his experience provides reassurance at the back. Lammens may still grow into a long-term solution, but right now United need a goalkeeper capable of making an immediate impact. If Maignan becomes available on a free transfer, it could prove to be one of the smartest moves the club has made in years.
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