Wayne Rooney Questions Manchester United’s Signing of Senne Lammens as ‘Panic Buy’

Former Manchester United striker Wayne Rooney has expressed skepticism over United’s recent decision to sign young Belgian goalkeeper Senne Lammens from Royal Antwerp, labeling the move a possible “panic buy.” The transfer, completed just before the summer 2025 deadline for an initial fee of £18.1 million, has sparked debate among fans and pundits alike.

Rooney, speaking on a football punditry platform after United’s early season struggles between the posts, questioned whether the club acted rushed in securing Lammens despite his lack of senior international experience for Belgium. He suggested that United’s current goalkeeping issues, including inconsistent performances from Andre Onana and Altay Bayindir, prompted the club to opt for a long-term raw talent rather than a proven, experienced shot-stopper.

While United’s director of football, Jason Wilcox, praised Lammens as “an excellent goalkeeper with huge potential,” Rooney urged the club to be patient with the development process, warning that quick fixes rarely solve longstanding structural problems. Fans are divided, with some optimistic about Lammens’s ability given his impressive record at Royal Antwerp, including playing a pivotal role in their 2023 Belgian Super Cup victory.

Lammens, aged 23, signed a five-year contract with United and became the club’s fifth signing this summer, adding to spending that has reached over £230 million. The club has kept veteran Tom Heaton as a backup, but with ongoing questions around Onana’s form, the spotlight increasingly falls on Lammens to prove his worth.

United’s transfer approach notably shifted after withdrawing interest in Aston Villa goalkeeper Emiliano Martinez, a more seasoned Premier League option. Manager Ruben Amorim has publicly stated satisfaction with the current goalkeeping roster, but recent mistakes on the field are raising doubts.

As the new season progresses, all eyes will be on Lammens to see if this high-profile signing can justify the hefty investment and silence critics like Rooney, who caution against reactionary transfer decisions.

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