The world of football is surprised at how quickly things change. Both Ruben Amorim, coach of Manchester United, and Pep Guardiola, in charge of Manchester City, expressed their satisfaction with their goalkeepers at the beginning of summer. Now, with the first Manchester derby just around the corner, the panorama has taken an unexpected turn.
A Derby with Goalkeepers in the Spotlight
Guardiola is debating whether to give Gianluigi Donnarumma the starting position in his debut with City at the Etihad Stadium. On the other hand, Amorim has chosen Altay Bayindir, who was the substitute last season, ahead of the last-minute signing, Senne Lammens, from Antwerp. Amorim prefers Bayindir due to his greater experience.If Donnarumma is selected, his Premier League debut could be one of the most crucial moments of his career at City. His trajectory, after a decade at the highest level with AC Milan and Paris Saint-Germain, is not in doubt. However, there is debate about whether the Italian adapts to Guardiola’s system with his footwork.
Ultimately, the goalkeepers of both teams will be a central theme in Sunday’s match.The worst Manchester derby in history is about to arrive.The United and Uncertainty in Goal
It seems that United has lacked a clear plan for its goalkeepers. André Onana, initially, was expected to be the starter, but Amorim left him out of the first match against Arsenal due to an injury. The surprise came when Onana was not a starter in the next match against Fulham, especially after a mistake by Bayindir in the defeat against Arsenal. Amorim stated that he was happy with Onana, Bayindir and Tom Heaton as his three goalkeepers.Onana made two errors in the Carabao Cup defeat against Grimsby Town. Despite this, Onana was convinced he would be the starter until the last weekend before the transfer market closed, when Amorim chose Bayindir to play against Burnley, and United intensified their efforts to sign Lammens. Finally, Onana left on loan to Trabzonspor.
Lammens: The Goalkeeper of the Future or the Present?
Internally, United has moderated expectations regarding Lammens, 23 years old, considering him a project with great potential rather than an established starter. Jason Wilcox, football director, supported this position. Lammens, a Belgian youth international, has not yet debuted with the senior national team and only has one full season in the Belgian League. Despite this, some fans believe that Lammens should play immediately.
Massimo Taibi debuted in an important match in 1999 and was named Man of the Match, but his time at United was brief. Amorim hinted that Onana couldn’t handle the pressure that comes with the position.In this club, the pressure is sometimes very strong in every detail.
Amorim
The City and Its Own Doubts
Guardiola is no stranger to testing a goalkeeper in a Manchester derby. After his arrival in 2016, he replaced Joe Hart with Claudio Bravo, who made a mistake in his debut against United. Ederson arrived in 2017 and helped Guardiola win numerous titles. Donnarumma, recently signed, raises questions about Guardiola’s tactics.Ederson, with his skill with the ball, almost functioned as an additional outfield player. Donnarumma is a great shot-stopper, but he is not as comfortable with the ball as Ederson. Ederson had a 73% accuracy in long passes and Donnarumma 56%.
Guardiola could choose James Trafford against United, who returned to City this summer. The focus on the goal will continue.Amorim and Guardiola left the door open to changes. Amorim said that Bayindir and Lammens “will fight for the number 1 position”, while Guardiola pointed out that “the season is very long, everyone will be involved”. Any mistake at the Etihad could accelerate the changes.I will not ask Donnarumma to do something he is not comfortable with.
Guardiola
