Ruben Amorim has a major decision to make before Manchester United’s clash with Manchester City: trust the shaky Altay Bayindir or hand a debut to new signing Senne Lammens.
Amorim’s Goalkeeper Dilemma
United paid £18m for 23-year-old Lammens after allowing Andre Onana to leave on loan to Trabzonspor. Bayindir, meanwhile, has started all three league games but errors against Arsenal, Burnley and Fulham have left fans and staff concerned.
Amorim knows that against City, any mistake will be punished.
What Went Wrong With Onana?
Signed for £47m from Inter, Onana was expected to be United’s ball-playing goalkeeper. Instead, tactical changes and high-profile mistakes eroded confidence.
Criticism mounted after errors in the Europa League and a blunt attack from former United midfielder Nemanja Matic, who called him “one of the worst goalkeepers in the club’s history.” Amorim eventually turned to Bayindir.
United’s Heavy Shirt
Former defender Phil Jones says goalkeepers at United need “rhino skin” to withstand pressure. David de Gea proved it by bouncing back from early struggles to become a four-time Player of the Year.
Ex-keeper Roy Carroll echoed the sentiment, recalling how one mistake defined his reputation: “I made a big mistake against Spurs and that is what people talk about. You have to be mentally strong.”
The Bigger Picture
United believe Lammens can grow into a long-term No.1, but for now Amorim faces a daunting choice: a struggling Bayindir or a debutant against City’s ruthless attack.
