Fabrizio Romano: Man Utd make 'initial contact' with goalkeeper amidst Andre Onana injury & doubts over future

Manchester United and head coach Ruben Amorim were tasked with a tough rebuild this summer, with several problem positions across the pitch which needed tending to.

Resolving the Red Devils’ misfiring strike-force was the first port of call, after the Old Trafford club struggled massively in front of goal and have had to deal with an ever-increasing ‘bomb squad’ of high-earning players, largely forwards, who have been exiled from Amorim’s plans.

Matheus Cunha was brought in early in the window for £62.5million from Wolves, while another deal dragged on. On Monday evening, the signing of Bryan Mbeumo was confirmed in a move worth up to £71m from Brentford.

Another area of the field which has caused much speculation throughout the summer is the goalkeeping department. Andre Onana has come under intense scrutiny throughout his time at United and rumours have suggested that the Red Devils have been looking at other options to replace the Cameroon international.

Man United make contact with goalkeeper

An update on the situation has been provided by Fabrizio Romano, who reports on X that Man United have made “initial contact” to be informed on the conditions surrounding a deal for 23-year-old Royal Antwerp goalkeeper Senne Lammens.

The young Belgian is said to be one of the main names on United’s list if they decide to sign a new goalkeeper this summer. He has been scouted by the Red Devils for some time and recently enjoyed a breakout season as he became Antwerp’s No.1 with 44 appearances in all competitions.

Romano’s report continues that Emiliano ‘Dibu’ Martinez is still viewed as an option but would be more expensive. Aston Villa reportedly value the Argentina World Cup winner at £40m, amidst continued links with a move to Old Trafford throughout the summer.

Onana will miss the majority of pre-season with injury and this may prompt United to make a move for a goalkeeper who can challenge or replace him in the long run. Antwerp could reportedly demand up to €20m (£17.3m) for Lammens.

What does this mean for Onana’s future?

This move could spell danger for Onana, who has been much-maligned during his time in England and now may have a fight on his hands to keep his place in goal. Amorim tried to drop him late last season following a poor individual performance in the Europa League quarter-final first-leg with Lyon, but Altay Bayandir was not viewed as capable of taking over as No.1. This time may be different.

Onana is out with a hamstring strain and is expected to return to contention before the end of pre-season, meaning that the Amorim has time to assess potential goalkeeping options before then. This could end up meaning Lammens gets a chance to start straight away in United’s Premier League Summer Series tour in the USA.

Lammens only recently turned 23 and so may not be viewed as ready to take over as full-time No.1 at a club the size of Manchester United. But there is no doubt that his signing would be with the intention of replacing Onana eventually and certainly keeping him on his toes at present. The arrival of a new goalkeeper this summer would no doubt raise eyebrows and lead some to sit up and take notice of how Onana reacts.