Amorim Explains Reasons for Reserving Onana, MU Immediately Brings in Senne Lammens

JAKARTA - Manchester United head coach Ruben Amorim explained his decision to bench Andre Onana in favor of Altay Bayindir against Fulham at Craven Cottage in the Premier League last weekend.

Bayindir has now started two consecutive league matches this season, having previously been trusted to play against Arsenal. Onana had actually recovered from the hamstring injury that kept him out for the entire preseason and even underwent a full week of training before the match at Craven Cottage. However, the Cameroonian goalkeeper remained on the bench.

Amorim emphasized that his selection was based purely on technical considerations and player readiness.

"I focus on our goalkeepers. Like every manager, I look at the amount of training, preseason performance, match performances, and decide who is best suited to play. That's what I do, and will continue to do so," Amorim said, as quoted by VOI on BBC Sport.

However, Bayindir struggled with dead ball situations, particularly from corner kicks, which were clearly Fulham's target. However, Amorim believes this is not something to be overstated.

"In every Premier League game, there are always dangerous moments from corner kicks. But on the other hand, we can also create chances from goal kicks and even get a penalty," he explained.

Looking ahead, Amorim will have to make a new decision when United face Grimsby Town in the second round of the EFL Cup next Wednesday, with Onana likely to make his first appearance of the season.

Meanwhile, Manchester United are also finalizing the transfer of Royal Antwerp goalkeeper Senne Lammens for around £17 million. Lammens was not even in Antwerp's squad against Mechelen, a sign that his move to Old Trafford is getting closer.

However, Onana is believed to be staying at Old Trafford this season and is ready to compete with Lammens for the starting goalkeeper spot. This situation has cast doubt on Bayindir's future, even though he has just been entrusted with starting the first two Premier League matches.