Manchester United have spent well, it would seem, this summer, but INEOS and Jason Wilcox remain attentive to further opportunities ahead of the September 1st transfer deadline.
Last weekend’s loss against Arsenal instilled a sense of newfound excitement; even in defeat, United looked more coherent, composed and confident, especially in attack. But there’s more work to be done, no doubt.
While club captain Bruno Fernandes has his sights set on an illustrious revival this season, a few more signings are needed if the Red Devils want to strike a degree of balance that will drive them toward their objectives.
Man Utd closing on statement signing
With the frontline having been reshaped, Man United have turned to the lower levels of the field, with Amorim appearing to have a desire for a new midfielder.
Brighton & Hove Albion’s Carlos Baleba has been at the top of the list, but INEOS have been informed that they will have no joy in a formal bid for the 21-year-old this summer.
Though efforts for a new presence in the engine room continue, many of a Red Devil persuasion would argue that signing a new goalkeeper is of greater importance.
Well, according to Fabrizio Romano, Manchester United are closing in on an agreement for personal terms with Royal Antwerp for 23-year-old goalkeeper Senne Lammens, with talks also underway between the clubs.
Discussions are advancing, with a view toward a permanent deal in the region of €20m (£17m), and Romano felt it pertinent to remark that Manchester City are not in the race as they aim for their own signing between the sticks.
Why Man Utd need Senne Lammens
Lammens left Club Brugge at the end of his contract in June 2023 and relocated to the port city of Antwerp, where he has since featured 64 times, winning the 2023/24 Super Cup.
Though the Belgian, touted as Thibaut Courtois’ successor between the sticks for the Belgium national team, has yet to fully grow into his skin as a goalkeeper, he also has the properties required to rival the best of them across the continent, already showing a skill for shot-stopping that puts him in the top bracket.
Sofascore records that Lammens prevented a staggering 15.57 goals (xG) in the Belgian Pro League match last year, with a save percentage of 77%.
That’s highly impressive when you consider that Jordan Pickford’s 6.15 goals prevented led the Premier League charts for goalkeepers last season, suggesting that the Belgian has the potential to be the best shot-stopper, by a significant margin, in England if he can translate his form over to United.
Such stable hands could go a long way for Amorim’s side, with Andre Onana out of the running following his shambolic 2024/25 campaign and Altay Bayındır making a mistake that allowed Arsenal to secure victory at Old Trafford last week.
Lammens would rewrite the script, in that way proving to be as impactful as the aforementioned Fernandes for the Manchester club.
Fernandes has been Man United’s talisman for many years now, right since he joined from Sporting Lisbon in January 2020 for a figure rising to £68m.
Last year, he posted 19 goals and 19 assists apiece across all competitions, also creating more chances than any other player in the Premier League. His influence knows no bounds, and the effect he has on his teammates is profound.
1.
Bruno Fernandes
91
2.
Mohamed Salah
88
3.
Cole Palmer
86
4.
Enzo Fernandez
75
5.
Bryan Mbeumo
70
Lammens might be a young and unknown buck, but his incredible shot-stopping ability and “simply phenomenal” all-round game, as has been noted by talent scout Jacek Kulig, suggest he could be the man United have been searching for over the past several years.
Man United deserved more than defeat against Arsenal, and with a more reliable man between the sticks, they might just have achieved that, with such confidence feeding into the rest of the squad.
Whether Lammens would reach the same level as Fernandes, pound-for-pound, as it were, is absolutely uncertain. But he has the making of a first-class goalkeeper, and United could change everything by getting this one over the line and adding much to their goalkeeping department.