Manchester United veteran Tom Heaton has thrown his support behind Senne Lammens after the 23-year-old Belgian’s mistake at the World Cup, revealing how he will react to it next season.

World Cup Heartbreak

After a superb debut season at Old Trafford following his £18.1 million move from Royal Antwerp last year, Lammens was selected by Rudi Garcia as part of his squad for this summer’s tournament in North America.

Real Madrid superstar Thibaut Courtois is the undisputed starter for Belgium, having made 115 appearances for his country.

Lammens was entrusted with the No. 2 role for the Red Devils, while Chelsea’s Mike Penders was the third choice. This constituted a remarkable rise for the United man, given he only made his first appearance for Belgium in November.

However, delight turned to disaster when Garcia summoned him from the bench in the quarter-final clash with Spain, after Courtois went down with a thigh injury in the 71st minute. Lammens entered the pitch with the game – his debut at a major tournament – poised at 1-1, with Charles De Ketelaere’s header having cancelled out Fabian Ruiz’s opener.

But as the clock ticked past the 88th minute, Lammens made a mess of a speculative shot from distance by Pau Cubarsí, spilling the ball into the path of the onrushing Mikel Merino, who converted to send Spain through to the semi-finals.

Bounce back

Naturally, Lammens was devastated at the final whistle, with Courtois making a beeline to console his compatriot, as did Spanish No. 1 Unai Simon to show the goalkeeping brotherhood extends beyond borders.

In a post-match interview, the Madrid shot stopper backed Lammens, stating: “You only get stronger from this. Eventually you cannot say much more to him or give him much more advice. He is a strong guy, strong personality. I’m sure he’ll be fine. You know, he will have some holidays and then regroup in Manchester and have a great season.”

This view is mirrored by his teammate at Old Trafford, with Heaton confirming he had spoken to Lammens after the quarter-final, but predicting he will “be stronger” for the experience, as tough as it is in the moment.

“It was obviously a challenging moment for him, but I think that’s the life of a goalkeeper. As soon as you put the gloves on and go between the sticks, you have to be ready to deal with that. He certainly is,” the 40-year-old stated.

“I actually think he’ll be stronger for it. His personality is fantastic for a goalkeeper, so no issues there. It’s obviously disappointing for him, but as I say, I do honestly think it can help him in the long run. It’s certainly tough but his personality is suited for it. He’s very strong mentally and he’ll be absolutely fine.”

When asked whether it was the type of high-profile mistake which can haunt a goalkeeper in the future, Heaton was confident it would not.

“That can happen at any point. Literally every time you cross the foot over the earth, so if that’s your mindset and that’s your outlook, then I’d be more inclined to say it’s more likely to happen.

“It’s accepting the fact that it can happen, but what you want to try and do and go and embrace it? I’ve certainly seen that from him as a young goalkeeper coming into Manchester United and dealing with that unbelievably well.

“I highly doubt he’ll be going into it with fear or worrying about what may happen, it’s more about what you want to go and achieve, whilst also accepting if it happens you can deal with it.”

Final Thoughts

A report relayed by The Peoples Person revealed Manchester United have planned to offer their full support to Lammens, imploring the team’s leadership group, which includes Heaton, to “reach out to him to show their support.”

But Heaton’s assured stance on the mental resilience of his younger teammate is promising – and is backed up by United legend Gary Pallister, who in an exclusive interview with our commander-in-chief, Red Billy, claimed Lammens is “strong enough to put that behind him”.

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Manchester United took on Wrexham AFC in Helsinki, Finland, to kick off their first pre-season match of the summer.

First half

Harry Maguire brought the Finnish crowd to their feet with a hefty challenge early on in the game.

Sam Smith had the first effort on goal after 10 minutes, but his shot was stopped by Tom Heaton. Fortunately, he was flagged offside, so it would not have counted anyway.

It was a slow start from both sides, with the Welsh side Wrexham looking a little less leggy of the two. After 17 minutes, United had their first half-chance when the ball popped out to Jack Fletcher on the edge of the box, but he failed to collect it properly and the chance was gone as soon as it came.

Just a couple of minutes later, Bailey Cadamarteri had a shot from inside the penalty area, but Ayden Heaven produced an impressive sliding block to protect his goal. The Red Devils responded after 24 minutes when the ball broke to Joshua Zirkzee, who released a first-time shot that drifted just wide of the post.

United began to settle into the game and dominate their Championship opponents but failed to produce many dangerous chances. Wrexham replied when Nathan Broadhead fired from range, but it drifted harmlessly over the crossbar.

Carrick’s new signing Andrey Santos looked comfortable on the ball and showed the boundless energy that he was bought for.

United almost took the lead when Sam Smith cannoned the ball off the crossbar from a United corner. After 39 minutes, the Welsh side took a surprise lead in a goal that would have massively frustrated Carrick.

Lewis O’Brien received the ball and slid the ball along the penalty area for an unmarked Smith to tap in the first goal of the game. United gained possession but failed to threaten Arthur Okonkwo in the Wrexham goal, and the half-time whistle blew with the Red Devils 1-0 down.

Second half
United started the second half with eleven changes made and numerous academy products on the pitch, each with their chance to shine. The young Red Devils kept the ball well as the second half started, but failed to get anywhere near the Wrexham goal.

Dan Armer played a nice pass over the top, but Ethan Wheatley could not beat his man. Wrexham burst into life when George Dobson was sent through one-on-one, but Radek Vitek stood up tall and made an important stop.

After 72 minutes, United had their best chance of the half when Dan Gore flashed the ball across goal after a fine run, but Danny Ward collected it with little fuss.

The Red Devils finally got their first shot on target when a teasing cross by Harry Amass was met by Ethan Wheatley, but he could not generate enough power to bother Ward.

Minutes later, it was Shea Lacey’s chance to make his mark, but he could only place his effort down the keeper’s throat.

As the clock ticked past 90, Ethan Williams fired in a dangerous cross but it came to nothing in the end.

The full time whistle blew and United will be disappointed to have started their pre-season with a defeat to Championship opposition.

First XI: Heaton, Shaw, Maguire, Heaven, Yoro, Santos, Mount, Jack Fletcher, Dorgu, Mbeumo, Zirkzee
Subs: Vitek, Amass, Armer, Devaney, Kamason, Tyler Fletcher, Collyer, Williams, Lacey, Gore, Wheatley

Featured image Steve Bardens via Getty Images

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Manchester United are considering a surprise swoop for Scottish shot-stopper Angus Gunn, according to a new report.

Revamp between the sticks

While a major overhaul in midfield is the priority this summer, with a £39 million deal already struck for Atalanta dynamo Ederson, United are also looking to revamp their goalkeeping unit.

Senne Lammens‘ emergence as No.1 was one of the highlights last season, with the 23-year-old Belgium international imbuing the defence with a sense of calm and solidity.

Having been signed for £18.1 million from Royal Antwerp, when then-head coach Ruben Amorim was actively pushing for a big-money raid for Aston Villa’s Emiliano Martinez, Lammens has proven to be one of the best pieces of business at Old Trafford in recent memory.

These impressive performances stand in direct contrast to the woeful pairing of Andre Onana and Altay Bayindir, who preceded him, though Bayindir’s shortcomings as a £4.3 million signing pale in comparison to the £47.2 million that was wasted capturing Onana from Inter Milan.

United are intent on sealing permanent departures for both, with Türkiye considered their most likely destination, as a move to a top European club is almost certainly ruled out.

Onana spent last season on loan at Trabzonspor, where the 30-year-old Cameroonian won the Turkish Cup, and the Black Sea Storm are keen for him to remain. Bayindir has been strongly linked with Besiktas, though Onana is also a target.

New Number Two

If, as expected, both departures are sealed, United will need a new No.2 to back up Lammens, having secured third-choice goalkeeper Tom Heaton for another season after a one-year contract extension.

Wolverhampton Wanderers’ Sam Johnstone, who came through Manchester United’s academy, is one option on the club’s radar after the Black Country side were relegated last season.

A surprise swoop for Leeds United’s Karl Darlow is also being explored, with the 35-year-old Welshman’s contract at Elland Road set to expire. Tottenham Hotspur are also interested, though the club have just struck a deal to sign ex-Red Devil Martin Dubravka.

But The Sun now reports Gunn – Scotland’s No.1 at the World Cup, who kept his country’s first clean sheet in four decades against Haiti – is another target in the crosshairs at Old Trafford.

A product of Manchester City’s academy, the 30-year-old goalkeeper was released by Nottingham Forest earlier this month, meaning he is available on a free transfer. He has previously enjoyed spells at Norwich City, Southampton, and Stoke City.

Standing 6’5″ with a wealth of experience across the English football pyramid, Gunn would be a sensible – and budget-friendly – addition to support Lammens. His arrival would also signal the exits of Onana and Bayindir, which will bring every Manchester United fan almost immeasurable joy.

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Manchester United goalkeeper Tom Heaton has secured his future at the club for one more season.

New deal

The 40-year-old keeper is Manchester United’s number three goalkeeper but plays an integral role as part of the club’s leadership group.

Heaton started his career in the Manchester United academy before playing first-team football for Cardiff City, Bristol City, Burnley and Aston Villa.

He rejoined Manchester United in 2021 and has played three senior matches for the side.

It was reported yesterday that Heaton signed a new one-year deal at the club that will take him into his 41st year.

Delight

The veteran keeper explained to the club’s official site why he was so happy to sign a new deal and believes the club is heading towards good times again.

He explained, “I think any time spent at this football club, as a player, is incredible. So to extend for another year, I’m absolutely delighted.”

Heaton added, “I think the club’s in a really good place, we’ve had some really good results this season. We’re back in the Champions League, looking forward to moving forward, so it was a very easy decision.”

The keeper has played an important role in supporting the goalkeeping unit, particularly in helping Senne Lammens settle as the new number one keeper.

Evolving role

He claimed that providing his experience and knowledge of the game is “an important part, especially as a senior player. But to be brutally honest, I think a lot of that comes from competing every day.”

Heaton also spoke about his desire to see the club get back to the top. He asserted, “we all know what the requirements are at this football club, and that’s winning. And I think, for me, yes, helping players is part of it, developing players is part of it, but it’s all geared towards getting this football club to be in a successful place.”

Whilst the Englishman knows his main job is to get the other keepers ready for action, he insists he is still ready to be called upon if needed as a player.

He claimed, “as the role has evolved, as it’s moved on, I think you start to look at winning through people maybe a little bit more. You know, can you influence players? Can you offer something here and there, support, demand a little bit more? But that is secondary to making sure you’re ready to play and you’re ready to compete.”

Support for Michael Carrick

Michael Carrick, who was a teammate of Heaton during the keeper’s first spell at the club, took over the first team in January.

Heaton only has positive words to say about the manager and claimed, “it’s been fantastic actually. You know, the gaffer, I played with him in my first stint at the club for a few years, so I know him very well, I have the utmost respect for him. An impressive, impressive player and obviously an impressive manager. He’s been fantastic to play for.”

He claimed the results have backed up the manager’s credentials and said that the club is “a fantastic place to be at the minute” after Carrick and his staff had their contracts extended.

Tom Heaton career stats

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Manchester United have confirmed that veteran goalkeeper Tom Heaton has signed a one-year contract extension.

Dressing Room Leader

Despite the fact that the 40-year-old shot-stopper has only played three times since re-joining the Red Devils in 2021, Heaton is considered a vital member of the dressing room.

The Chester native, who came through the club’s academy, left Old Trafford in 2010 on a free transfer to join Cardiff City, having enjoyed a successful loan with the Welsh club. This was followed by spells with Bristol City, Burnley and Aston Villa, as well as three appearances for the England national team.

Heaton then returned to M16 after his deal at Villa Park came to an end. Since then, he has assumed a leadership role in his capacity as third-choice ‘keeper, acting as much a coach as a player at this late stage of his career.

Erik ten Hag, Ruben Amorim and now Michael Carrick have all been impressed with his attitude and authority in the dressing room, leading to successive contract renewals.

With the current contract expiring this month, there had been some initial doubts as to whether an extension would be offered. But United have now confirmed he has put pen to paper on a one-year deal, meaning he will enter his 21st year as a professional footballer.

@TomHeatonGK has signed a new one-year contract at United!

— Manchester United (@ManUtd) June 4, 2026

A Huge Honour

Speaking to the club’s media team, Heaton revealed his pride at being given the chance to continue representing the Red Devils.

“It is a huge honour to continue to represent Manchester United. You can feel the determination and ambition of everyone throughout the club to keep pushing for success. I am really excited to play my role in driving us forward and helping the group to compete for the biggest honours.”

Sporting director Jason Wilcox mirrored these feelings: “We are delighted that Tom is continuing for another year. Everyone is well aware of the importance of his leadership and professionalism within the group.

“Tom has played a key role in helping to support Senne [Lammens] throughout his first season in the Premier League; his constant dedication and mentality set a fantastic standard for our goalkeeping group.”

Lammens, signed from Royal Antwerp last summer, has enjoyed a debut season in the Premier League, firmly grasping the No. 1 position with both hands. He has been the textbook definition of steady, a complete contrast to his predecessors.

Andre Onana and Altay Bayindir are expected to be sold this summer, having been made surplus to requirements by the 23-year-old Belgian and their propensity for mistakes. Both have been linked with moves to Türkiye, where Onana has played on loan for Trabzonspor this season.

If, as planned, they depart, a new No. 2 to back up Lammens will be needed, though there is the possibility of Radek Vitek returning from Bristol City to assume this role. Regardless, it will be Heaton who serves as the elder statesman of the goalkeeper unit, a safe pair of hands off the pitch to help guide his teammates on it.

Feature image Orlando Ramirez via Getty Images

The Peoples Person has been one of the world’s leading Man United news sites for over a decade. Follow us on Bluesky: @peoplesperson.bsky.social

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Goalkeeping overhaul

United are poised for a significant rebuild of their goalkeeping unit, with multiple outgoings and a number of incomings expected.

It’s looking increasingly likely that Andre Onana and Altay Bayindir will leave in the next few weeks. Both shot-stoppers have struggled to make an impact since arriving at the club in the summer of 2023.

Onana spent the 2025/26 season on loan at Trabzonspor. The Turkish side have expressed a desire to retain him, although the Cameroonian wants to stay at United and battle Senne Lammens for a regular starting berth.

Bayindir, on the other hand, is wanted by Besiktas, who unsuccessfully tried to snap him up in January.

Reliable journalist Andy Mitten recently claimed that academy goalkeeper Radek Vitek may also be sold. Vitek enjoyed a superb 2025/26 on loan at Bristol City.

According to Mitten, United are eager to sign an experienced goalkeeper to provide cover for Lammens and support the Belgium international.

Last month, a report covered by The Peoples Person covered relayed that Heaton was on the brink of putting pen to paper on a new deal to extend his stay at the club. Now, The Sun have revealed that the veteran has signed the contract.

Heaton update

The Sun say, “TOM HEATON has signed a new 12-month playing contract with Manchester United.”

“United are expected to officially announce veteran Heaton’s new deal in the coming days.”

Heaton has made just three senior appearances for United since rejoining the club from Aston Villa in 2021. Heaton last played for United in the 2023 League Cup semi-final second leg clash against Nottingham Forest.

As well as providing leadership in the dressing room, Heaton would also help United address their homegrown player quota issues for the Champions League.

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Goalkeeping overhaul

United are set to sanction major changes to their goalkeeping department this summer.

Andre Onana is expected to leave following the impressive rise of Senne Lammens. Onana has spent the 2025/26 season out on loan at Turkish outfit Trabzonspor.

It’s believed that the Cameroonian is eager to return to United and fight for his place, but United want a parting of ways. Trabzonspor are said to be keen on keeping Onana permanently.

There is also Altay Bayindir, who has primarily served as a backup goalkeeper since his switch from Fenerbahce three years ago. Bayindir was given a run of games by Ruben Amorim at the start of the campaign but he failed to justify his selection and eventually lost his place to Lammens.

Besiktas appear to be showing the strongest interest in Bayindir and it looks increasingly likely that his time at Old Trafford is over.

Last week, The Peoples Person covered a report which stated that United were “exploring a new contract” for Heaton. His current terms expire in June.

Now, Samuel Luckhurst of The Sun has provided an update on the situation, indicating that Heaton is all but guaranteed to stay.

Heaton update

Luckhurst writes, “TOM HEATON is set to sign a new one-year contract with Manchester United.”

“United expect to agree a renewal with third-choice goalkeeper Heaton, who rejoined the club in 2021.”

“Retaining former England international Heaton would also ease United’s issues with homegrown players when they re-enter the Champions League next season.”

Heaton last played for United in the 2023 League Cup semi-final second leg clash against Nottingham Forest. The veteran shot-stopper is part of the leadership group in the dressing room.

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Manchester United are exploring extending third-choice goalkeeper Tom Heaton’s contract, according to a new report.

Long-term Stalwart

Despite turning 40 last month and not starting a match in over three years, Heaton remains an integral part of the dressing room at Old Trafford. A Chester native, he came through the Red Devils’ academy system after starting his career with Wrexham, where he played as both a goalkeeper and a midfielder.

In his first spell with United, where he did not make a first-team appearance, Heaton would enjoy loans at Royal Antwerp and Cardiff City among others. He then permanently joined the Welsh side on a free transfer in 2010 after turning down an offer to stay in M16.

Spells with Bristol City, Burnley and Aston Villa would follow, including three appearances for the England national team, before a return to United on a two-year deal in 2021 after being released from Villa Park. And while opportunities on the pitch have been limited since his return, Heaton has taken on a leadership role off it in his capacity as third-choice goalkeeper.

He was considered a key ally of Erik ten Hag and was then made a part of Manchester United head coach Ruben Amorim’s six-man leadership team, alongside Harry Maguire, Diogo Dalot, Lisandro Martinez, Noussair Mazraoui and club captain Bruno Fernandes. This position of authority – almost a coach, rather than a player – now looks set to continue under interim boss Michael Carrick, with INEOS understood to be looking to get both men to commit to new deals.

New Deal

The Sun reports United are “exploring a new contract” as the existing deal will finish in June.

“Heaton’s current deal expires in the summer, after he signed a one-year extension last year. And well-placed sources say United are open to offering Heaton fresh terms again.

“He has been working with United youngster Radek Vitek since the 22-year-old returned to Carrington to train last week following his impressive loan stint with Bristol City. Vitek, who also came through at United, is wanted by several Championship clubs next season.”

Another attribute beyond his attitude and experience is the fact that Heaton qualifies as a homegrown player, with “strict squad registration rules for the Premier League and Uefa” making this an important consideration for United.

With Senne Lammens expected to continue as the undisputed starter next season, and Heaton set to reclaim his berth as third-choice goalkeeper, attention will turn to the No. 2 role.

Both Altay Bayindir and Andre Onana are expected to be sold this summer, with Vitek keen to continue his run of form as first-choice, even if that means another season away from Old Trafford.

The Peoples Person has been one of the world’s leading Man United news sites for over a decade. Follow us on Bluesky: @peoplesperson.bsky.social

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“The hardest position in English football,” was Gary Neville’s assessment of whichever goalkeeper is trusted between the sticks for Manchester United, while Edwin van der Sar extended the scope of his former teammate’s analysis: “I think [it] is the hardest job in the world football.”

There are few people in the world more qualified than the legendary Dutch shot-stopper to comment on the weight and pressure of the No. 1 shirt at Old Trafford, though the right-back who played just ahead of him would also feature highly on that list of esteemed judges.

And both players-turned-pundits were unanimous in their praise of Senne Lammens, United’s current holder of the jersey, who has enjoyed a stellar debut campaign in English football.

Signed from Royal Antwerp for an initial £18.1 million on deadline day last summer, the 23-year-old Belgium international was initially projected to be a long-term solution in goal, not an immediate one.

However, the disastrous performances of the two competitors at his new club, Andre Onana and Altay Bayindir, quickly led the relatively inexperienced signing to assume the starting berth – and it has proven a masterstroke for the Red Devils. Where both Onana, who is currently on loan at Süper Lig side Trabzonspor, and Bayindir, expected to also return to Türkiye this summer, were chaotic sources of uncertainty, Lammens has provided assured calmness.

And this sense of security has diffused throughout the defence ahead of the Belgian, helping United to steadily climb the table since his debut in October against Sunderland, despite a change of coach in the dugout and a revolving door of different centre-back partnerships.

You would be hard-pressed to find a better transfer by any English club from that window, with Lammens the best signing during the INEOS era, given his age, price and the magnitude of the role he was confronted with after just one year of experience as a starter in the Belgian Pro League.

Man United's signings under INEOS - Ratings

So why, therefore, does this writer contend that a new goalkeeper should be a priority for United if the club already struck gold? Because, in football, a team is only as good as their back-ups in key positions – and the No. 2 to the No. 1 at the Theatre of Dreams resembles more of a nightmare, unless INEOS intervene this summer.

Dumb and Dumber

With a wealth of evidence to support this claim, neither Bayindir nor Onana is capable of starting in goal for Manchester United. Arguably, they are not good enough to be the first choice for any side in the Premier League.

Despite being signed for £47.2 million to replace long-term stalwart David De Gea, Onana has proved a disastrous acquisition, lacking the fundamentals to cope with English football, but possessing an overabundance of confidence in his limited abilities.

The number of mistakes the Cameroon international made across his two years as a starter was so consistent that many United fans would be forgiven for having long forgotten them, only for a clip to pop up on social media and the horrors immediately come flooding back.

Conversely, Bayindir cost less than £5 million and was never intended to be anything more than a bench option. However, he is woefully short of even this supporting role, having been arguably even worse than Onana when playing in his 29-year-old teammate’s stead.

Both goalkeepers were signed in the same window by Erik ten Hag and offer resounding proof he should never be allowed to dictate a club’s transfer window again, though United executives should have learned that lesson after being forced to pay £81 million to reunite the Dutchman with Antony the previous year.

Bayindir and Onana will be sold this summer if suitable buyers can be found, though the latter will prove a more difficult exit to facilitate due to his wage packet and PSR constraints. United would be better off taking a hit than allowing him to step foot back in Old Trafford, however.

This means a new back-up to Lammens must arrive in Dumb and Dumber’s place, one with the skillset to capably deputise for the Belgian, but also the experience and knowledge to cope with the pressure of England’s biggest club and the physical demands of English football. Accordingly, it should prove fortuitous that Radek Vitek, a talented young goalkeeper currently thriving in the Championship, earning plaudits left, right and centre for his performances on loan at Bristol City, is on the books.

But this would be a mistake, for player and club, with the potential to have adverse effects for both parties moving forward.

Vitek Must Not Be Sacrificed

Vitek, 22, joined the Bristolian side in July last summer on a season-long loan, having agreed a contract extension with United until 2028 just prior to the move.

The Czech under-20 international is highly regarded at Old Trafford, with a permanent transfer to Sturm Graz blocked in the same window. He has previously enjoyed spells at League Two Accrington Stanley and FC Blau-Weiss Linz in Austria’s top division.

A loan to an established Championship side was considered the natural next step of progression. However, he was originally targeted by Bristol City to provide cover to first-choice Max O’Leary, who had suffered a serious ankle injury.

Upon O’Leary’s projected return in the autumn, he was expected to resume his spot in goal, only to find it had been permanently snatched from his gloves after a superb start to life at Ashton Gate by Vitek.

The United loanee has shone for his adopted side, quickly establishing himself as a fan favourite with a series of eye-catching saves, and winning the trust of his manager, Gerhard Struber. His ability to deal with the aerial bombardment that characterises England’s second division in conjunction with his comfortability in possession have been even more impressive than his saves.

Indeed, Vitek’s form was so consistent that O’Leary departed his boyhood club in January, while Struber recently stated in an interview that he would “love” the Czech to remain in Bristol next season.

In virtually every way, the loan has been the perfect example of the benefits that arrangement produces, for both clubs and the player in question. United will welcome back a much-improved goalkeeper this summer, while Bristol City found a free upgrade on their existing No. 1 for a season.

But INEOS would be remiss to ship Bayindir and Onana out the door as Vitek re-enters the building in the hope of saving money, even if cutting costs is what Sir Jim Ratcliffe dreams of every night in his silk pyjamas in Monaco.

A 22-year-old goalkeeper being the back-up to a 23-year-old first-choice is a recipe for disaster, with no rationale beyond balancing the books. In an ideal world next season, Lammens would play every single match, while his No. 2 sits on the bench, ready if needed, but hopefully without ever being required to do so.

For a young goalkeeper, a year spent on the sidelines, after a stellar breakout campaign, would be hugely detrimental to their development. Vitek will become a worse player by being in United’s squad than he would remaining with Bristol City.

Furthermore, there is no guarantee that the Czech is ready to handle the pressure of playing for the Red Devils, given the consistency with which far more experienced shot-stoppers have succumbed to it in the past.

Second season syndrome is a real phenomenon in football, particularly for young players. Were Lammens to suffer a significant dip in form next year, the idea of turning to a younger, less experienced option as his replacement is foolish.

If Vitek was to then also perform poorly in this deputy role, as we saw previously with Bayindir and Onana, it could spell the end of two young goalkeepers for the price of one poor decision, given how vital internal confidence is in that position.

A better, almost essential, path is for United to boot Dumb and Dumber out of the club, send Vitek out on another loan to a team in one of Europe’s top five divisions, and sign an experienced back-up to complement, rather than inhibit, Lammens, who can be picked up on the cheap. Easy, right?

Well, yes, because the perfect option is already plying his trade around 70 miles down the road from Old Trafford.

Experience, Experience, Experience

Experience is king for a back-up goalkeeper. And at United, experience of both the Premier League and the weight of the Premier League’s biggest club is essential – which is why Sam Johnstone, currently of Wolverhampton Wanderers, but a former Red Devil, is the perfect target this summer.

The 33-year-old Englishman came through the academy after joining from Euxton Villa as a youngster, spending seven years at the club without making a senior appearance. Instead, he went out on a series of loans across the football pyramid, before establishing himself as West Brom’s first-choice goalkeeper in 2018.

Johnstone would then go on to play for Crystal Palace before a £10 million switch to Molineux in 2024, where he was expected to take over from Jose Sa. However, the Portuguese No. 1’s exit to Saudi Arabia fell through, and Johnstone’s move has not materialised as projected.

But he remains a player with an abundance of experience in English football, with seven years of experience at Old Trafford, and was a part of the Three Lions squad that reached the final of EURO 2020. He stands 6’3, is proficient with the ball at his feet, and is understood to have an excellent attitude in the dressing room, having often been a back-up throughout his career.

The fact that Wolves are destined for relegation at the end of a torrid campaign in the Black Country means he will be available on a cut-price deal this summer as well, offering the strongest point yet for why he makes sense in a window where every penny will count for United.

Final Thoughts

There will be far more exciting articles written by The Peoples Person in the build-up to this summer’s transfer window than one about a back-up goalkeeper, with central midfield set to rightfully dominate United’s agenda.

Nonetheless, a capable No. 2 can be as important as your No. 1, as Arsenal found out in last weekend’s Carabao Cup final defeat to Manchester City. This argument is only strengthened by the fact that Vitek has the potential to become an excellent goalkeeper, be it at Old Trafford or elsewhere, with a considerable selling fee included if he leaves – but only if he is given the space to grow as a player away from M16.

To rely on Vitek as a senior squad option next season could be the ruin of him, and potentially destabilise Lammens at the same time. Conversely, Johnstone is set in stone as a goalkeeper, and the chance to return to United, even as a back-up, would present an option he would undoubtedly welcome, without the danger of it negatively impacting his career.

It’s a boring deal – but not every transfer on the road to success is a sexy one; sometimes, simply being sensible is all that is needed, even if the social media team will not be best pleased.

Featured image Gareth Copley via Getty Images

The Peoples Person has been one of the world’s leading Man United news sites for over a decade. Follow us on Bluesky: @peoplesperson.bsky.social

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Safe pair of hands

Lammens joined United on the last day of the summer transfer window in an £18.2million deal from Royal Antwerp.

United dipped into the market and secured his services after Andre Onana lost his place in the team and it became abundantly clear that Altay Bayindir could not be relied upon to be the number one. Lammens had to wait for his opportunities, only making his debut in October. He kept a clean sheet as United beat Sunderland 2-0 at Old Trafford.

The Belgian has never looked back, establishing himself as a reliably steady presence in goal. Having made few to no errors, he has brought a sense of calm and composure that was sorely lacking under his predecessors.

Lammens has caught the eye with his incredible shot-stopping, while he has also shown himself to be brilliant on the ball.

Signed in a window that brought in the attacking talents of Benjamin Sesko, Matheus Cunha, and Bryan Mbeumo, the young Belgian was the unglamorous addition. Yet, his impact has proven just as vital. In Lammens, United appear to have secured their number one for the next ten years.

He spoke to Ben Foster on the Fozcast podcast and credited Heaton for his key role in his rise.

Lammens credits Heaton

Lammens said, “He’s been really helpful. He helped me a lot the first couple of weeks especially to get me like eased in.”

“It’s always nice to have someone who knows so much about the Premier League and this club and everything in between, to help me out when I need to but also to help me to relax and joke around sometimes. Coming from him, it’s a good feeling.”

The 23-year-old added, “Still today, at almost 40 years old, I can still see him in training, so I can only imagine in his prime how good he was. For a Belgian guy, he didn’t really have the recognition probably in the world. Especially, the most important thing, every team-mate you speak to about – or even his team-mates now in training – the way they talk about him, his qualities on the pitch, but even more so his qualities off the pitch, as the guy he is.”

“Probably why our friendship has grown so much is because we’re a bit similar as well in every aspect – I can see a lot of myself in him. And it’s the same the other way around, he tells me a lot: ‘you’re so much like me when I was younger.'”

“He knows what I’m thinking in every situation almost, so that’s also where he helps me, maybe in more difficult situations, or when I’m doing really well, in those situations, trying to help me not get too outside of my head.”

Lammens hails Fernandes

Lammens also had words of praise for Bruno Fernandes, naming the skipper as the best trainer at the club.

The United shot-stopper said about Fernandes, “I think that’s why he’s been the way he is all these years is just the guy you see on the pitch every Saturday. You also see on training every day.”

Asked who has the hardest shot in training, Lammens answered, “Benjamin Sesko. It’s crazy sometimes. You know, as a goalkeeper, when people are like five yards in front of you, you don’t really want to swat the ball.”

“He still does it sometimes. And I’m just thinking, easy, relax.”

Lammens and his teammates are next in action on Sunday when they host Aston Villa at the Theatre of Dreams. The game kicks off at 2pm.

Featured image Michael Regan via Getty Images

The Peoples Person has been one of the world’s leading Man United news sites for over a decade. Follow us on Bluesky: @peoplesperson.bsky.social

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