Senne Lammens has been handed Manchester United's No.1 shirt ahead of the 2026/27 Premier League season, finally replacing David de Gea after three years of instability in goal.
Lammens established himself as a reliable and consistent stopper in his debut campaign, starting every game after making his debut in October. He was named the transfer of the season by the Premier League.
Bayindir's departure and Onana's errors
Altay Bayindir joined Celta Vigo on a season-long loan, writing on social media: "I'll miss Old Trafford, but this is not goodbye. See you soon, Reds." Bayindir was first-choice goalkeeper at the start of last season after Ruben Amorim axed Andre Onana, but he was at fault for Arsenal's match-winner on the opening day.
Amorim persisted with Bayindir for two months before giving Lammens his debut in October. Onana, during his time at United, made nine errors leading to goals across all competitions, the joint-most of any goalkeeper from the top five European leagues in that period. He was at fault in his final appearance against Grimsby Town.
Stability and continuity
United saw Onana as the perfect successor to De Gea, but the succession plan was botched. De Gea was the last dependable goalkeeper before Lammens, with 2021/22 the last time United had a reliable, uncontested first-choice keeper for an entire campaign.
Lammens will be uncontested in the new season, bringing stability and continuity. His only glaring error last term was against Liverpool in May, but he had enough credit to afford it. A few years later than hoped, United have finally found a proper replacement for De Gea.
