'He's a panic buy' – Man Utd blasted for signing Senne Lammens over Emi Martinez by former Red Devils goalkeeper

Manchester United’s decision to splash £18.2m on Antwerp goalkeeper Senne Lammens on deadline day has been met with criticism, with former Red Devils keeper Ben Foster branding the move a 'panic buy'. United had been heavily linked with Aston Villa’s Emiliano Martinez but ultimately settled for the Belgian shot-stopper, sparking debate among fans and pundits alike.

  • Foster slams ‘s Lammens signing as “panic buy”
  • Martinez deal close before United switched to Antwerp star
  • Lammens will challenge Onana and Bayindir for No.1 role

'He's a panic buy' - Man Utd blasted for signing Senne Lammens over Emi Martinez by former Red Devils goalkeeper'He's a panic buy' - Man Utd blasted for signing Senne Lammens over Emi Martinez by former Red Devils goalkeeper'He's a panic buy' - Man Utd blasted for signing Senne Lammens over Emi Martinez by former Red Devils goalkeeper

finalised the signing of 23-year-old Lammens on transfer deadline day after concerns around Andre Onana and Altay Bayindir. However, many expected Martinez to arrive at Old Trafford instead, with the Argentine openly keen on a switch to Ruben Amorim’s side. Foster has now heavily criticised the 20-time English champions’ decision to move for the Belgian goalkeeper.

Speaking on his Fozcast podcast, Foster said: “Being a goalkeeper for United is the hardest goalkeeping position to play in world football. You need someone with broad shoulders.

“I’ve watched a lot of videos of him [Lammens] on YouTube…and he looks on the eye test like he’s a competent goalkeeper. I’m yet to see what he’s like with the ball at his feet though and I think he’s a panic buy.

“United have probably always got some sort of list of goalkeepers that they look at and they keep tabs on. There will be scouts all over the world…but I don’t think they’ve done an in-depth . A deadline day goalkeeper signing tells me that your club is desperate.”

United’s move for Lammens comes at a time of mounting pressure on the club’s goalkeepers, with Onana and Bayindir both struggling for form and guilty of high-profile errors. The Belgian joined from following a strong season in the Pro League, keeping seven clean sheets and earning two Player of the Month awards, and will be hoping to make the No. 1 spot his own.

Lammens will now compete with Onana and Bayindir for a place in Amorim’s starting side. United supporters will hope he can provide stability between the posts and grow into the role over time.