For much of the past decade, Manchester United could rely on David de Gea to bring consistency in goal. Since his departure in 2023, however, United haven’t found a keeper who can continue at a similar level, with those playing between the sticks struggling to combine reliability, confidence, and the commanding presence needed to play for the club.
The latest name to step into the spotlight is Senne Lammens, signed from Royal Antwerp in a deal reported to be worth around £20 million. At just 23, the Belgian is seen as one for the future, but with United’s recent track record, the temptation to push him into action sooner rather than later is strong.
Onana’s Loan Departure After Struggles
When Andre Onana arrived from Inter Milan in 2023, he was heralded as the perfect modern goalkeeper, capable of building play from the back. But while his distribution impressed at times, his shot-stopping and concentration were frequently called into question.
The 2025/26 season brought little relief. His only appearance came in a shock Carabao Cup exit away at Grimsby Town, where he was blamed for both goals conceded before United lost on penalties. The club moved quickly to loan him to Trabzonspor for the season, a clear indication that he has no future at the club.
Bayindir: The Current No. 1
In Onana’s absence, Altay Bayindir has stepped up. The Turkish international, who spent most of his debut season on the bench, began 2025/26 as first choice. Manager Ruben Amorim has so far stuck with him, which included playing him in the Manchester derby.
Bayindir has shown solid reflexes and athleticism, but questions remain about his ability to command the penalty area and deal with pressure in high-stakes matches. Mistakes, such as a misjudged corner against Arsenal, have underlined that while he is capable, he may not yet be the long-term solution.
Lammens: United’s Long-Term Bet
United’s move for Senne Lammens suggests the club is planning ahead. At 23, he has already built a reputation in Belgium for his composure, positioning, and maturity. Standing at 6’6, he offers a physical presence that United have craved since De Gea’s departure.
Amorim has been cautious so far, stressing that Lammens will need time to adapt to the demands of English football. For now, Bayindir holds the gloves, but the Belgian is expected to push hard for minutes as the season progresses. Many inside the club see him as the long-term No. 1, and his chance could come sooner if Bayinder continues to falter.
The Bigger Picture
Even if Lammens blossoms into United’s first truly reliable goalkeeper since De Gea, the club’s wider problems cannot be ignored. Defensive lapses, midfield inconsistency, and an inability to control games have also hampered progress. As such, Swiper and other popular online betting operators underline that United still have a long way to go to get back to anywhere near their best.
Conclusion
Manchester United’s goalkeeping saga has been one of frustration for several years. Onana’s inconsistent stint ended with a loan move away, Bayindir is unconvincing, and now Senne Lammens represents both hope and risk.
If nurtured properly, Lammens could be the one to bring back stability and confidence between the sticks. But whether he gets that chance this season, or has to bide his time, will come down to multiple factors.
