Man Utd legend slams one main participant he claims ‘is not ok’ for the membership
Former Manchester United coach Rene Meulensteen reckons the Red Devils have one easy route to improving their side, and even named the transfer the club should make to do so
Sir Alex’s former first team coach criticised the Belgian keeper (Image: Man Utd via Getty Images)
Former Manchester United first-team coach Rene Meulensteen has slammed his former side’s keeper Senne Lammens, warning that the Belgian is not of the “calibre” required by the Red Devils.
Sir Alex Ferguson’s former No.2 pointed to several high-profile blunders from the 24-year-old, especially his error against Spain at the recent World Cup, which ultimately saw Belgium crash out in the quarter-finals. The goalkeeper, who signed from Belgian club Royal Antwerp in 2025 for an initial fee of £18.1million, was once again the centre of discussion for all the wrong reasons after United’s 2-2 draw with Everton on Sunday.
Several former pros criticised the Belgian for being beaten at his near post for the Toffees’ first goal, while others were less than impressed after he was unable to even dive towards Ainsley Maitland-Niles’ last-gasp equaliser.
Meulensteen slammed Senne Lammens(Image: Matt West/Shutterstock)
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Meulensteen says, speaking to Tipman Tips, that these important moments signal exactly why Man United once again need to dip into the goalkeeper market, with the club still yet to bring in a stopper as good as the likes of David De Gea and Peter Schmeichel.
He said: “There’s been a bit of a debate for a while about whether Lammens should be the number one going forward, and I personally would be looking for another goalkeeper.
“He made quite a big mistake in the World Cup for Belgium which ultimately led to their defeat against Spain, a similar mistake to what David De Gea used to make at times, but De Gea was obviously fantastic for the club overall.
Some have suggest the Belgian could have done better for both of Everton’s goals (Image: Manchester United via Getty Images)
“Fortunately, we haven’t seen anything quite like that at Manchester United yet and he’s done well since he’s come in. However, he isn’t the same calibre of goalkeeper that United have had in the past like Schmeichel, Van der Sar or De Gea, and any team that really wants to challenge for the title needs a top class goalkeeper.”
Meulensteen admitted that new Chelsea number one Emiliano Martinez would have been the perfect signing had he not already been prized from Aston Villa, however he reckons United should now turn their attention to Spanish international Unai Simon.
He explained: “United need a goalkeeper of that level, and you look at David Raya for Arsenal who has done extremely well since joining them, he can’t even get into the Spain team because of Unai Simon. He’s the type of goalkeeper that Manchester United need.”
Unai Simon could be the man to sure up United’s backline, he says(Image: Getty)
Meulensteen admits that United’s defensive frailties are not just down to the keeper, with Carrick’s back line also leaving much to be desired.
He said: “I still think they’re vulnerable at the back, and that’s one thing Michael is going to have to sort out as soon as possible. Finding a centre-back partnership that works and getting some consistency in the back line will be key.
“Harry Maguire is coming off a good end to last season, but he needs some complimentary centre backs next to him. They have plenty of options at centre back in Martinez, Yoro, Heaven and even Luke Shaw can play in the position, but the problem has been that inconsistency at the back which he will need to sort out as soon as possible.”
