Manchester United’s decision to splash £18.2m on Antwerp goalkeeper Senne Lammens on deadline day has been met with criticism, with former Red Devils keeper Ben Foster branding the move a 'panic buy'. United had been heavily linked with Aston Villa’s Emiliano Martinez but ultimately settled for the Belgian shot-stopper, sparking debate among fans and pundits alike.
Foster slams United’s Lammens signing as “panic buy”Martinez deal close before United switched to Antwerp starLammens will challenge Onana and Bayindir for No.1 roleFollow GOAL on WhatsApp! 🟢📱WHAT HAPPENED?
Manchester United finalised the signing of 23-year-old Lammens on transfer deadline day after concerns around Andre Onana and Altay Bayindir. However, many expected Martinez to arrive at Old Trafford instead, with the Argentine openly keen on a switch to Ruben Amorim's side. Foster has now heavily criticised the 20-time English champions' decision to move for the Belgian goalkeeper.
AdvertisementGetty Images SportWHAT FOSTER SAID
Speaking on his Fozcast podcast, Foster said: “Being a goalkeeper for United is the hardest goalkeeping position to play in world football. You need someone with broad shoulders.
“I’ve watched a lot of videos of him [Lammens] on YouTube…and he looks on the eye test like he’s a competent goalkeeper. I’m yet to see what he’s like with the ball at his feet though and I think he’s a panic buy.
"United have probably always got some sort of list of goalkeepers that they look at and they keep tabs on. There will be scouts all over the world…but I don’t think they’ve done an in-depth analysis. A deadline day goalkeeper signing tells me that your club is desperate.”
THE BIGGER PICTURE
United’s move for Lammens comes at a time of mounting pressure on the club’s goalkeepers, with Onana and Bayindir both struggling for form and guilty of high-profile errors. The Belgian joined from Royal Antwerp following a strong season in the Pro League, keeping seven clean sheets and earning two Player of the Month awards, and will be hoping to make the No. 1 spot his own.
Getty ImagesWHAT NEXT FOR LAMMENS?
Lammens will now compete with Onana and Bayindir for a place in Amorim’s starting side. United supporters will hope he can provide stability between the posts and grow into the role over time.