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Manchester United delay Senne Lammens debut amid growing goalkeeper questions

Originally posted on HITC | By Dan Coombs | Last updated Sep 24, 2025 7:27 AM ET

Senne Lammens is still waiting for his chance after joining Manchester United on deadline day.

It’s hard to argue against the idea that United made a mess of the goalkeeper situation this summer. Lammens was expected to get some minutes in the Carabao Cup, but with United already knocked out, those chances haven’t come.

Onana played a key part in that exit, adding another layer to the ongoing frustration around the position.

Manchester United’s timing issues with Senne Lammens signing

Had the club moved quicker, Lammens could have joined before pre-season and had a chance to impress during the US tour or in the Carabao Cup. Instead, he arrived on deadline day, while Onana was shipped out to Trabzonspor just before the Turkish window shut.

Bayindir remains the first choice for now, though it’s not clear when Amorim plans to give Lammens his debut. Questions are already being raised about why United signed a goalkeeper who, at this point, isn’t seen as an upgrade over Bayindir.

Photo by Joris Verwijst/BSR Agency/Getty Images

Paul Scholes didn’t hold back in his criticism: “What’s the price? 20 million euros. It tells me he’s not a top goalkeeper.”

Lammens hasn’t had any game time yet to prove people wrong. Scholes and others are forming opinions without seeing him play. There are even reports suggesting United might look for another goalkeeper in 2026, which would only add more pressure on Lammens.

Before that happens, he should at least be given a fair shot to show what he can do. Right now, he’s caught in a tough situation with no clear way out.

Antwerp happy with profit made on Lammens sale

Manchester United supporters still haven’t had the chance to judge whether the club’s move for Senne Lammens will end up being worth it.

Over at his former club, though, there’s no second-guessing. They’re more than pleased with the profit they turned on the deal.

Photo by Jeroen Meuwsen/BSR Agency/Getty Images

“Value for money, that’s what it’s called. We got Senne for zero euros and Doumbia for four hundred thousand. That’s different from investing 18 million and hoping for something to come out of it.”

Meanwhile, Manchester United have spent a significant sum on Lammens and are still waiting to see if he can justify the investment.

The schedule isn’t getting any easier either. Brentford and Sunderland are up next before the international break, followed by a match against Liverpool.

Lammens has already missed opportunities against City and Chelsea. The longer this drags on, the more scrutiny Amorim will face over when he’ll finally hand him a debut.

Lammens can’t prove himself without minutes on the pitch. There’s every reason to think he could save United from another costly search for a new keeper if given half a chance.

This article first appeared on HITC and was syndicated with permission.

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