Man United’s goalkeeping overhaul – Onana discarded, Lammens the first choice

Andre Onana is said to be fully intent on making his way back to Old Trafford, ready to battle for the number one spot at Manchester United. Yet, those in charge at the club seem to be moving in a different direction, planning a full overhaul of their goalkeeping options. Their strategy focuses on cutting down wages while firmly establishing Senne Lammens as the clear first-choice keeper.

As reported by The Daily Mail, United are not considering bringing Onana back into the fold this summer. The 30-year-old, currently spending time on loan at Trabzonspor, still has two years left on a hefty £120,000-per-week deal.

Despite his desire to return in June and challenge Lammens—who arrived for £18 million last year and quickly took over as the leading option—the club sees little sense in retaining an expensive backup on the bench. As a result, they are actively exploring ways to move the Cameroonian on and ease their wage structure.

Lammens, meanwhile, has more than lived up to expectations. After stepping in for Altay Bayindir, who featured in the opening six matches of the campaign, the Belgian has gone on to make 25 Premier League appearances.

He has conceded 32 goals and recorded five clean sheets, delivering steady performances that have helped lift United to third place with 55 points, trailing only Arsenal and Manchester City. His reliability at the back has strengthened the club’s belief that he is the long-term answer, further limiting Onana’s chances of reclaiming the starting role.

Talks between Onana’s representatives and the club are expected to take place this month, with either a permanent transfer or another loan move viewed as the most probable outcome. United will be aiming to recover a sizable portion of the £47 million they paid Inter in 2023.

Trabzonspor are interested in keeping him, while Besiktas are also monitoring the situation closely. Monaco, who were previously quoted £30 million, could re-enter the race, and Saudi Arabia remains a viable destination after earlier links with Neom.

Onana intends to fight for his place in Manchester

At the same time, Bayindir is also likely to move on after a January exit was blocked. United now face the task of finding suitable destinations for both goalkeepers in order to complete their planned rebuild. With Tom Heaton expected to extend his stay by another year to support Lammens, the club’s direction is clear—now it’s about delivering on that plan during the upcoming summer transfer window.