Manchester United goalkeeper Senne Lammens is the subject of early scrutiny following comments from former first-team coach Rene Meulensteen, who suggested the club should have signed Athletic Bilbao's Unai Simon instead. Lammens, who joined United from Royal Antwerp on deadline day in September 2025 for a reported £18.1m, signed a contract keeping him at Old Trafford until June 2030. While Meulensteen's comments, first reported by TeamTalk, have sparked debate over United's long-term depth behind Andre Onana, the prospect of a mid-season goalkeeper pursuit remains highly unlikely.
Meulensteen questions Lammens as United's depth tested
Speaking to TeamTalk, Meulensteen expressed reservations over the signing of Lammens, arguing that United missed an opportunity by failing to recruit a more established, elite-level profile like Spain's Unai Simon. However, this pressure remains entirely opinion-driven rather than an indication of an active transfer pursuit. United currently possess a settled goalkeeper department, with Onana established as the undisputed number one, supported by Altay Bayindir, veteran Tom Heaton, and Lammens. Any move for a high-profile goalkeeper in January would represent a costly and unnecessary market panic, especially given Simon's high valuation and commitment to Bilbao, alongside the mid-season constraints that historically limit elite-level transfers.
Inside the numbers: Lammens vs elite alternatives
While pundits debate his pedigree, Lammens' underlying data suggests he was recruited for his high ceiling and specific tactical fit. During the 2024/25 season with Royal Antwerp, the Belgian registered 173 saves—the highest tally of any goalkeeper across Europe's top 10 leagues—and established a reputation as an exceptional penalty-stopper. These metrics compare favourably to established European options and align with Lammens' own description of his style. Speaking to club media upon his arrival, the goalkeeper described himself as "quite all-round," highlighting his ability to "control the space behind the defence" and "play from the back." With his long-term contract running for another four years, United are well-positioned to develop Lammens rather than succumb to external pressure for an expensive alternative.
