‘He’s clearly coming in to be the number one’: Man United fans react as Lammens set for Old Trafford move

Manchester United are on the verge of welcoming a new face between the posts as Senne Lammens, the 22-year-old Belgian goalkeeper, prepares to swap Royal Antwerp for Old Trafford. Reports confirm that both clubs have agreed a €21 million deal, with additional add-ons included, as United continue to reshape their squad under Ruben Amorim.

The move comes at a critical time for the Red Devils. United have conceded six goals already this season, with four of them widely considered to be the result of goalkeeping mistakes. Both André Onana and Altay Bayındır have failed to convince, and many believe that Amorim has lost patience with his current options. The arrival of Lammens signals not just depth, but the possibility of a new undisputed number one.

For many fans, the signing represents a much-needed fresh start. Supporters have grown increasingly frustrated with costly errors that have undone good defensive work in recent matches. “Surely he cannot be worse than Onana or Bayındır,” one fan commented online, echoing the mood of optimism mixed with exasperation.

Social media quickly erupted with reactions as the news broke. From excitement to cautious hope, the opinions varied but carried one unifying theme — change was necessary. One supporter shouted “BOMBAAAAAAAA,” while another suggested, half-jokingly, that even the likes of Kuszczak or Lindegaard would represent an improvement. The feeling around Old Trafford is clear: fans are ready to back a new man with gloves.

Amorim’s management has been praised for its boldness, and moving for Lammens fits that narrative. Still only 22, the Belgian carries significant potential for growth. Many believe he is a low-risk, high-reward addition who can grow into the role rather than simply serve as backup. This aligns with Amorim’s philosophy of building a younger, hungrier squad capable of long-term success.

Not all fans, however, are satisfied with just one new face. Some are calling for a double reinforcement, pushing for the arrival of Argentina’s World Cup-winning goalkeeper Emiliano Martínez. “Get Martínez on loan and send the two clowns somewhere,” wrote one fan, while others insisted United should not pass up the chance to combine Lammens’ youth with Martínez’s proven experience.

The comparisons with Onana have been unavoidable. Signed with much fanfare from Inter Milan, Onana has endured a rocky spell in Manchester, struggling to adapt and facing scrutiny after several high-profile errors. Bayındır, meanwhile, has barely had the chance to prove himself but has also failed to inspire confidence when called upon. Amorim’s choice to pursue Lammens strongly suggests that patience has run out.

For the defenders in front of him, stability in goal is vital. As one supporter pointed out, “A solid keeper exudes confidence to the defenders and forms the base of a watertight defense.” United have often looked shaky at the back not because of structural issues, but due to uncertainty behind them. If Lammens settles quickly, his presence could transform the team’s defensive output.

The timing of the transfer is also important. With crucial fixtures against Manchester City and Chelsea approaching, many believe Lammens could be installed immediately as the number one. Amorim will need to decide quickly whether to throw the Belgian into the deep end or ease him in gradually. Either way, the pressure on the youngster will be immense.

Fan expectations are sky-high. “He’s clearly coming in to be the number one — Amorim has lost faith with Onana — so he needs unequivocal support from the fanbase,” another supporter declared. The demand for a new hero between the sticks has rarely been louder, and Lammens now finds himself carrying that weight.

Beyond the immediate debate, the signing also reflects United’s changing transfer strategy. Rather than chasing only big-name stars, the club is moving towards targeting players with potential resale value and long-term upside. If Lammens proves to be a success, he could anchor United’s defense for the next decade.

For now, though, optimism is the word around Old Trafford. Fans know that goalkeepers often make or break a season, and United’s campaign has already been shaped by costly mistakes. With Lammens now incoming, supporters will hope this marks the beginning of a new chapter — one where reliability in goal is no longer a luxury, but a given.