United View: A busy deadline day for the Reds

The transfer window closed on Monday, with Manchester United able to secure the signature of highly rated goalkeeper Senne Lammens from Belgian side Royal Antwerp. 

In addition to moving on, Jadon Sancho and Antony, respectively, it sees the end of a busy summer for the Reds as they look to overhaul the squad.

After spending his youth career at Club Brugge, making several senior appearances before signing with the then-reigning Belgian champions Antwerp in 2023, he established himself as the club’s first-choice goalkeeper in the 2024/25 season.

The 23-year-old signs for a fee of around £18million plus add-ons on a five-year contract. 

Personal terms had also been agreed with Aston Villa’s Emi Martinez had the deal fallen through, with United opting for a long-term solution.

At the beginning of the window, a new goalkeeper was seen as a low priority, although United had kept tabs on several options, including Lammens.

However, mistakes from Altay Bayindir and Andre Onana likely prompted United to act.

Whilst there will no doubt be pressure on the young Belgian shot-stopper, there is a feeling amongst fans that it can’t be any worse than what they’ve already seen in the previous two seasons, littered with numerous costly goalkeeping mistakes.

Lammens has a knack for saving penalties as well as dealing well with crosses into his box, helped by his 6ft3in stature – something that has been United’s kryptonite.

The narrative now is whether Ruben Amorim will trust his new goalkeeper in the Manchester Derby following the international break or continue to utilise Altay Bayindir, who has been his go-to in the Premier League this season.

Elsewhere, United were able to move on two more members of the ‘bomb squad’ in Jadon Sancho and Antony, with the former joining Aston Villa on a season-long loan, whereas the Brazilian returns to Real Betis following his successful loan spell last season. 

That means that only Tyrell Malacia will remain at United as things stand, after a move to Elche fell through.

United have now made over £100million in direct sales following the departures of Alejandro Garnacho and Rasmus Hojlund, that’s not considering the loan fees and wages covered for Marcus Rashford.

The only suggestion that United could have done more this window would be to bring in another midfielder, but after their approach for Carlos Baleba was blocked, perhaps they are waiting until next season before making another purchase in that area.

That being said, this has been a successful transfer window for the Reds, completely overhauling their attacking line-up, bringing in two Premier League-proven players in Matheus Cunha and Bryan Mbeumo, along with Benjamin Sesko, who admittedly has yet to find his feet at Old Trafford. 

And for many fans, a huge sigh of relief as a new goalkeeper will be arriving, as it was one area that became more and more apparent could not be overlooked.

The Reds next face Manchester City at the Etihad. 

The Blues have struggled this season, losing two of their opening three, but as we are all well aware, form can go out of the window in a derby.

United, on the other hand, got their first win against Burnley at the weekend, thanks to a late penalty from Bruno Fernandes, but in truth, the game should have been well out of sight in the first half, given the number of opportunities they squandered.

Despite their mixed start and outright unacceptable loss to Grimsby, United have the potential to be a good team this season. 

Hopefully, that will become more obvious now that a new goalkeeper is here and, in theory, provide a calming presence from set pieces.