Senne Lammens or Altay Bayindir? – Ruben Amorim confirms which goalkeeper will start Manchester Derby
Manchester United manager Ruben Amorim has confirmed which goalkeeper will start the derby against rivals Manchester City.
Altay Bayindir has started the opening three Premier League games, but Man United signed Senne Lammens from Royal Antwerp towards the end of the transfer window.
Andre Onana joined Trabzonspor on loan so is not in contention after falling down the pecking order at Old Trafford.
Man United beat Burnley to go into the derby above Man City who have lost two of their opening three fixtures.
Ruben Amorim chooses number one for Manchester derby
Lammens could have made his debut for the Red Devils against their rivals, but as per Fabrizio Romano [12 September], Amorim will stick with Bayindir for the trip to the Etihad.
Amorim said: “I’m pleased with Lammens, he has a lot of potential. No we are in the moment that the goalkeeper needs to be really strong and have a lot of experience.“
Bayindir has come under criticism for his displays so far, particularly being weak at set-pieces, but is a show of trust from Amorim in the Turkey international to start against Man City.
Senne Lammens stacks up well against Emi Martinez in one area
During the transfer window, Man United were pursuing Aston Villa goalkeeper Emi Martinez, but Lammens is similar to the Argentine in one area.
As per The Times’ Gary Jacob, [12 September], Lammens is two footed and was useful playing accurate long passes at Royal Antwerp.
“About 42 per cent of his attempted longer passes were successful, a similar rate to Emiliano Martinez,” Jacob stated.
| Senne Lammens | Stats |
| Appearances | 64 |
| Goals Conceded | 86 |
| Clean Sheets | 12 |
The ability to play long passes to start counter-attacks may be useful with Man City expected to dominate possession.
Man United’s best moments may come in transition when they can use the pace of Bryan Mbeumo up-front.
Lammens though will have to prove himself in training to oust Bayindir, who is currently Amorim’s first choice.
With no European football, or cup competitions until January, the pair are battling it out to start crucial Premier League fixtures.