Report: Man United Juggle Goalkeeper Talks, Midfield Concerns and Possible Exits | OneFootball

Manchester United’s Goalkeeping Shake-Up and Squad Concerns

Manchester United’s interest in Antwerp goalkeeper Senne Lammens reflects a determination to strengthen a key position that has faced scrutiny in recent weeks. The Athletic reports that talks over the 23-year-old’s potential arrival have intensified following Altay Bayindir’s costly mistake in the 1-0 defeat to Arsenal. Lammens was notably absent from Antwerp’s squad for their Jupiler Pro League fixture against Charleroi, adding further weight to speculation surrounding a transfer to Old Trafford.

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Should Lammens complete his move, United will have a four-strong group of goalkeepers, with Andre Onana, Bayindir and Tom Heaton already in the squad. This level of depth would ensure cover when Onana departs for the Africa Cup of Nations this winter, though it also raises questions about the sustainability of carrying so many senior goalkeepers. Club insiders believe a reshuffle could follow in January if all four remain.

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Midfield Imbalance Hindering Progress

While goalkeeper recruitment dominates headlines, United’s draw at Fulham brought tactical concerns into sharper focus. Leading early at Craven Cottage, United struggled to control the game, allowing Marco Silva’s side to dominate midfield exchanges. Alex Iwobi’s creativity highlighted the gaps in United’s two-man midfield, an area where Bruno Fernandes’ dual responsibilities are leaving vulnerabilities.

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If Fernandes continues in a deeper role, the team requires a partner with both physicality and tactical awareness to secure balance. Despite links to numerous midfielders throughout the summer, reinforcements appear unlikely before the transfer deadline. One club source noted, “Amorim is working with what he has, but the midfield still feels incomplete.”

Transfer Targets Under Review

Brighton’s Carlos Baleba remains the ideal midfield target, though the Seagulls’ valuation, reportedly comparable to Moises Caicedo’s £115million fee, has halted progress. Other options, including Adam Wharton and Morten Hjulmand, are admired but not actively pursued. United’s focus for now appears to be consolidating their squad rather than adding marquee signings late in the window.

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Expected Departures

Outgoings are expected to dominate the coming days. Rasmus Hojlund, left out of the squad for a second successive match, is the subject of loan interest from Napoli, RB Leipzig, Atalanta and AC Milan, although he would prefer to stay and compete for a place.

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Alejandro Garnacho’s potential move to Chelsea depends on financial agreements between the clubs, while United remain firm on rejecting loan proposals for Antony, with Real Betis pushing for a deal. Further uncertainty surrounds Jadon Sancho and Tyrell Malacia, whose exits would help streamline the squad.

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With key transfer decisions still pending, United’s season is shaping up to be one of transition, where addressing midfield and goalkeeper concerns could prove decisive.

Our View – EPL Index Analysis

Manchester United fans are watching this transfer window unfold with a mixture of frustration and intrigue. The interest in Lammens is a sign that the club is taking its goalkeeping structure seriously, something many supporters have demanded following a string of inconsistent performances from both Onana and Bayindir. Bringing in a young talent like Lammens adds depth and competition, which will be welcome given Onana’s absence during the Africa Cup of Nations.

However, there is a sense of impatience regarding the midfield. Fans have long argued that the team lacks a commanding, athletic presence to shield the defence, and while Baleba would fit that profile, the lack of progress on a deal is concerning. United’s struggles at Craven Cottage felt like a reflection of these shortcomings, and many supporters fear Amorim’s tactical plans will be undermined without reinforcements.

On the transfer front, there is genuine sympathy for Hojlund, a talented forward who has yet to settle fully. Many fans believe his omission signals a tactical reset rather than a lack of faith. The uncertainty around Garnacho, Sancho and Antony only deepens concerns about squad cohesion.

Fans want decisive action. This feels like a pivotal moment in shaping Amorim’s first full season, with the goalkeeping and midfield decisions likely to define United’s ability to compete for top-four football.