Manchester United looked at the Eintracht Frankfurt goalkeeper Kauã Santos before signing Senne Lammens
Manchester United have faced issues in goal since David de Gea departed Old Trafford in 2023, and it remains a lingering problem for the club. The Red Devils signed André Onana with high expectations, but his errors and inconsistent performances reduced the trust of Rúben Amorim and the board. The Cameroonian left on loan to Trabzonspor, and Altay Bayindir took over. However, he has not cemented the position with confidence or performances so far.
The club, meanwhile, signed 23-year-old Senne Lammens as a long-term replacement. Reports also reveal that Manchester United could move for another goalkeeper in 2026 despite Lammens’ acquisition. It shows the matter is still unresolved for United.
Manchester United’s interest in Kauã Santos
Before United went on to sign Lammens, the club looked at other options to strengthen in goal. Bild, as relayed by Sport Witness, recently reported that the Red Devils wanted to sign Eintracht Frankfurt shot-stopper Kauã Santos before turning their attention to the Belgian. Wolverhampton Wanderers were also keeping tabs on the Brazilian.
However, Santos missed about four months of game time due to a knee injury from April, and that absence forced United to step away. The Red Devils preferred a player with recent, uninterrupted minutes in Europe. Meanwhile, reports reveal that Kobbie Mainoo is leaving no stone unturned amid struggles at Old Trafford, mirroring the attitude fans want from a young player.
Opinion: comparing Lammens against Santos
When discussing the choice between Lammens and Santos, both short-term readiness and long-term planning matter. The Belgian already looks comfortable in European football, and he posted good numbers in the Belgian Pro League last season. The 23-year-old proved his mettle with a strong save rate and composure in one-on-one situations. However, Lammens has still displayed lapses, such as misjudged passes or rushed clearances. The club will want him to work on these flaws.
By contrast, Santos has drawn comparisons to Ederson for his confidence on the ball. His brief Bundesliga spell showed he can produce consistent saves with composure. The Brazilian registered three clean sheets in nine matches, showed his potential, and his 75 per cent save rate placed him close to Lammens in the numbers.
Yet his limited first-team experience and recent injury likely made United wary of relying on him immediately. For a side desperate for stability, choosing a goalkeeper with steady senior experience looks logical. However, Santos may develop into the bigger prospect, and if he fulfils his potential, the debate could change in the future. For now, United fans can see the decision as pragmatic, while hoping the club’s long-term planning stays firm this time.