United News | Bayindir to start against city

First bit of team news for Sunday

Altay Bayindir will remain in goal against city, though manager Ruben Amorim believes new signing Senne Lammens has the potential to establish himself as first choice in the years ahead.

Author | Olivia T

Picture posted by GM Super News and European Super Football

United brought in Senne Lammens, 23, from Royal Antwerp on deadline day for £18.1m, opting against a move for Argentina’s World Cup-winning goalkeeper Emi Martínez, who had been open to leaving Aston Villa.

With André Onana departing on loan to Trabzonspor, questions remain over United’s long-term goalkeeping plans. Bayindir has started all three league matches this season, despite errors that led to goals against Arsenal and Burnley, and will keep his place at the Etihad.

Amorim, however, has praised the promise of Lammens. Bayindir, 27, made his Premier League debut only in April but has 10 caps for Turkey and greater experience than Lammens, who has had just one season as a top-flight regular. Amorim said the decision was straightforward: “It is a different league, different country, different ball. Altay is going to continue.”

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Onana, who won Serie A with Inter Milan and started the 2023 Champions League final against city, has struggled to replicate that form at Old Trafford. After an injury in pre-season he returned to make costly mistakes in the EFL Cup defeat to Grimsby, when United were knocked out by a fourth-tier side for the first time. The penalty shootout loss proved to be his final outing before his loan switch.

Although contracted until 2028, the Cameroon international is not expected to play for United again.

Immediate reaction

RedCafe user lex talionis posted: “To those frustrated that Lammens is not starting against City, it is worth remembering he has never played at this level before. I think we can all wait one game."

Another user on the same forum added: “Hopefully he steps up now that Lammens has been brought in."

Raoul gave a wider perspective on Twitter/X, saying: "I don’t think he is starting because Ruben believes he is the best goalkeeper, more that Lammens is too new and he does not want to throw him in on day one."