Manchester United

Simon Stone
Manchester United reporter

Image source, Getty Images

Manchester United's goalkeeping situation is the subject of huge debate because there is so much uncertainty about it.

United have kept abreast of Senne Lammens' situation at Royal Antwerp for most of the summer. They have advanced talks over the past few days to the extent Antwerp opted to leave the 23-year-old out of their Belgian Pro League victory against Mechelen a couple of hours before United took the field against Fulham.

The precise reason for that is not known. Neither is it clear if anyone will leave to make way for the former Belgium youth international.

It had been assumed Andre Onana would return at Craven Cottage, but when the teams were confirmed it emerged that Altay Bayindir had kept his place.

The Turkey international duly showed both sides of his character. Calm with the ball at his feet, it was Bayindir's superb 70-yard floated pass downfield that went straight towards its intended destination, allowing Matheus Cunha to brilliantly control on the run first time and get a shot off with his second touch, which Bernd Leno did well to save.

But Bayindir also looked weak when dealing with corners. He tended to pick the wrong time to come for them and also allowed himself to be crowded out, just as happened against Arsenal seven days previously when another positive United performance failed to bring any reward.

Even with his saves, there were good and shaky moments.

Bayindir had to be alert to deny Josh King with an excellent feet-first save. Less convincing was the manner in which he shoved a low Iwobi shot from the edge of the area round the post.

Ruben Amorim spoke to BBC Radio 5 Live after Manchester United's draw against Fulham: "I think we scored the goal and then we forgot about how we play. We want to win so badly, and that is a good feeling, that we scored a goal and everyone on the pitch was thinking, 'Let's hold onto the advantage and try to win the game'. For me that is the moment that we have to enjoy more and push the opponent. We tried to press the opponent super high and left a lot of space.

"We have to grow up a lot as a team. For me the most important thing is that during the week they were working really hard, today we worked really hard, and we are going to improve. The moment that changed the game was our goal."

On how the team goes about 'growing up': "Training, in the game. You need to win to have the feeling to relax a little bit, not in the intensity and the way we play, but maintaining our mind. We suffer a little bit in the end because the momentum changed more with the goal of Fulham.

"In the first half we were there, we missed a penalty...Fernandes has so much responsibility with him that I felt the lack of joy [when he missed] and he was thinking in the past. Now we have to move forward no matter what happens."

United captain Bruno Fernandes spoke to BBC Match of the Day after the draw: "We cannot be satisfied with one point. We came here to win the game. We were defending very well, but in one of them they got their goal. For us, it is very disappointing to not win the game today."

On his missed penalty: "As everyone has their own routine. I missed the penalty because I kicked the ball very badly."

"We are very disappointed. Obviously, we were into the game. We should have controlled it better after our goal and made them run.

"We were controlling well runs into the box from their midfielders."

Did you know?

Since the start of last season, Genoa (30) are the only team in Europe's big five leagues who have failed to score a first-half goal in more games than Manchester United (29).

Whether you were at the game or following from elsewhere, we want to know what you learned.

Have your say on Fulham's performance

What did you make of Man Utd's display?

Come back to this page on Monday to find a selection of your replies

Fulham boss Marco Silva makes three changes from the opening weekend draw at Brighton.

Timothy Castagne, Ryan Sessegnon and Rodrigo Muniz come in, with Jorge Cuenca, Harry Wilson and Raul Jimenez dropping to the bench.

Fulham are aiming to end a run of eight straight home defeats in the Premier League to today's opposition.

Fulham XI: Leno, Tete, Anderson, Bassey, Castagne, Lukic, Berge, Sessegnon, King, Iwobi, Muniz. Substitutes: Lecomte, Reed, Jiménez, Wilson, Cairney, Adama, Cuenca, Smith Rowe. Robinson.

Altay Bayindir retains his place in goal for Manchester United in a side showing one change from last weekend's defeat by Arsenal.

Amad Diallo comes into the right wing-back slot in place of Diogo Dalot.

Andre Onana is named on the bench, along with new striker Benjamin Sesko. Rasmus Hojlund misses out completely.

Manchester United XI: Bayindir, Dalot, De Ligt, Shaw, Amad, Casemiro, Fernandes, Dorgu, Mbeumo, Mount, Cunha. Substitutes: Onana, Dalot, Maguire, Zirkzee, Ugarte, Heaven, Sesko, Fredricson, Mainoo.

Simon Stone
Manchester United reporter

Image source, Getty Images

Manchester United target Senne Lammens was left out of Royal Antwerp's squad in their Belgian Pro-League game against Mechelen on Sunday.

United ramped up their interest in the goalkeeper this week.

No deal has been agreed yet and there is interest elsewhere, including from Inter Milan, but it is looking increasingly likely Lammens will end up at United.

What is not so clear is what that means for United pair Andre Onana and Altay Bayindir.

United sources have previously indicated Onana will remain at the club this season despite some inconsistent form.

However, Bayindir started last weekend's Premier League opener against Arsenal and was at fault for the Gunners' winner.

It is possible Inter may try to sign Bayindir if Lammens joins United.

Inter veteran Yann Sommer is on Galatasaray's list of alternatives if they fail to secure the capture of Manchester City's Ederson - which would leave a space for a new number one at Inter, where Onana excelled.

There are three games in the Premier League on Saturday and BBC Sport will bring you every moment.

• Crystal Palace v Nottingham Forest (14:00) - BBC Radio 5 Live

• Everton v Brighton (14:00) - BBC Radio 5 Sports Extra

• Fulham v Man Utd (16:30) - BBC Radio 5 Live

Kick-off times BST

Follow the 14:00 games here

And get Fulham v Man Utd here

Like a lot of people, I try to be balanced about Manchester United. They lost last week, but I do think they will be better this season. Well, they can't be any worse.

I really like Bryan Mbeumo, and I especially like Matheus Cunha - I think he's got loads going for him.

Fulham were fortunate to get something against Brighton but I think they'll improve in front of their own fans.

Fulham don't play with any fear and will take the game to Manchester United, which gives me a sneaking feeling United will exploit them and win this one.

But then again, I always predict Manchester United games wrong. I want to be positive about them, but I'm not sure I can be. Plus, I think I predicted Fulham wrong for every one of their matches last season.

I'm leaning towards a Manchester United win, so, because of that, I'll go for a draw.

Sutton's prediction: 1-1

Read the full predictions and have your say here

Simon Stone
Manchester United reporter

Image source, Getty Images

Manchester United's players are more able to match the physical demands made of them this season, according to head coach Ruben Amorim.

The former Sporting boss struggled to implement his style of play after he replaced Erik ten Hag last November, which was a major reason why United ended up in 15th, their worst league performance since the 1973-74 relegation campaign.

While the new season got off to a losing start at Old Trafford last weekend, Amorim felt there were clear signs a full pre-season has enabled him to get the work into his players to allow them to compete in the way he wants.

"It is a fact because you can see the data," he said.

"Against Arsenal, we were sometimes building up but we had to kick the ball. Then you can see the reaction of our players to the second ball. In the duels, we are stronger. We are recovering position faster.

"I remember at least two times in the corner, one time with Odegaard running with the ball and you can look at our players and we are sprinting full power - even Casemiro!"

United's players should gain greater benefit as the season goes on given they have no European football to distract them for only the second time since 1990.

Amorim knows he cannot promise positive results. But he does feel his players now fully understand what is required of them.

"When we are playing we are more confident," he said.

"I feel the team is more free playing the game. That is a good thing.

"When you have more time to train, you have more time to understand the way we play.

"You don't need to think all the time 'what do I do in these situations' because it's already in their minds."

Tom White
BBC Sport journalist

Fulham were one of just three clubs that Manchester United completed a Premier League double over last season, with the other two coming against relegated pair Southampton and Leicester City.

Marco Silva believes their task this term has been made all the harder because of United's acquisitions in this summer's transfer window.

"Last season, they had a lot of great players," said Silva before the game. "This season, they've kept almost all of them [and] they have been able to spend heavily in the market. Two they signed from Premier League [sides]. And they signed a striker that all the market was looking for."

By contrast, the Whites have made just one senior signing this summer with goalkeeper Benjamin Lecomte joining from Montpellier, and they were once again indebted to their substitutes against Brighton on the opening day when striker Rodrigo Muniz scored in the 96th minute to rescue a point.

Silva's compatriot and counterpart Ruben Amorim suffered his 15th loss in his 28th Premier League game as manager of Manchester United last weekend. However, the green shoots of optimism were on show against Arsenal at Old Trafford, with the Red Devils dominating their visitors and new signings Bryan Mbeumo and Matheus Cunha both impressing.

Amorim said he was "proud" of his team despite the defeat, highlighting the fact that they were creating more chances. "We have more options, so you see that we play in a little bit of a different style with Cunha - and then at the end with [Benjamin] Sesko, because he is a different player and we can use that."

Despite the positivity, United are seeking to avoid losing their opening two games of a Premier League season for a third time. They did so in the inaugural campaign in 1992-93 but went on to win the league that year, and most recently in the 2022-23 campaign under Erik ten Hag, when they ended up third.

Proof, perhaps, that defeat on Sunday may not yet prove fatal for Amorim.

Image source, Getty Images

We asked for your views on whether Manchester United have a problem defending set-pieces and what the solution is.

Here are some of your comments:

Mark: Our defending from set-pieces is woeful. Whoever the defensive co-ordinator is just cannot organise the unit at all. Add to that the mess various goalkeepers get themselves into and it doesn't look good for this season. I've said for a while that we need to concentrate on our defending more as we won't get anywhere near a top -four finish without it.

Bryan: Andre Onana is terrified of crosses. Plus most of the saves he did make he palmed straight to the opposition strikers. We need a goalkeeper who can keep the ball out of the net better.

Ross: Number one priority is for a goalkeeper to dominate his penalty area. Come for crosses, be first to the ball, flatten everyone else if need be. Just do not stand on the goalline hoping to save the shot which would not be coming at all if the above attributes were on show. Amorim is showing loyalty to Onana and Bayindir, but they stand on their line and hope for the best - the result is a panicky defence and missing out on Europe again.

A top keeper would be worth 15 points this season, and that would get us into Europe. The whole defence would be much tighter and more confident. Time for Ruben to backtrack and realise that refusing to change your mind is a weakness.

Brett: United already weren't great at defending set-pieces under Erik ten Hag but when Amorim arrived and changed tactics it got much worse. However, this is a problem that has been getting better. The defenders are dealing with set-pieces OK now. Bayindir is inexperienced in the Premier League and struggled with the lack of protection goalkeepers get in this league. Overall, a problem on the mend rather than one to focus on.

Stu: Set-pieces and corners are a major concern. Both attacking and defending them.

Simon Stone
Manchester United reporter

Image source, Getty Images

Manchester United have not ruled out making more signings before the transfer window closes – but it would need players to be sold.

What seems certain to be a busy 10 days before the deadline closes on 1 September has taken another twist with confirmation there has been contact between United and Belgian club Royal Antwerp around goalkeeper Senne Lammens.

The 23-year-old has been described as ideal for the Premier League by fellow countryman and current Real Madrid goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois.

However, with veteran England man Tom Heaton having signed a one-year deal this summer, the feeling is United would not bring in another goalkeeper without someone leaving.

Andre Onana's former club Inter Milan seem to be in the hunt for a goalkeeper but Old Trafford insiders are presently sticking to their belief that Onana will not be moving this summer and while Altay Bayindir would be the obvious man to move even though he started the Premier League defeat to Arsenal last week, nothing is imminent around the Turkey international either.

It just adds to the sense of uncertainty given four members of Amorim's 'bomb squad' also remain at the club.

The belief remains that Alejandro Garnacho will eventually join Chelsea, while Real Betis are keen to bring Antony back to Real Betis.

No deals are in place though and there is a growing expectation nothing will be done until the end of the window.

Striker Rasmus Hojlund is the subject of significant interest from Napoli, with Romelu Lukaku ruled out for four months with a thigh injury.

"We have a department that is responsible for that part," said Amorim. "I am just responsible for the performance.

"We talk about all the situations every day."

Amorim repeated comments first made in the United States that any of his 'bomb squad' who remained at the club into September could be brought back into the fold, although the likelihood of that actually happening is slim.

"I know it is not a good thing to have players in this situation but it's clear they want to play in a different club so we try to arrange everything for both parts to be happy," said Amorim.

"I have to training with the guys I think are going to be the future. The other guys are training and preparing for the next chapter.

"When the window is closed, it's a different history, we have to receive the players and anything can happen."

Simon Stone
Chief football news reporter

Image source, Getty Images

Ruben Amorim did a bit of deflecting to Jason Wilcox in his press conference before the trip to Fulham.

The Manchester United head coach didn't want to talk about transfers, saying that was an issue for Wilcox in his technical director role.

He used the same tactic later in his briefing when the conversation switched to Kobbie Mainoo.

The England international has not had a contract upgrade since he broke into the first team and conversations around the situation are presently deadlocked.

Mainoo's present deal expires in 2027 and it does seem strange this has not been extended given he started the Euro 2024 final for England and scored in the FA Cup final that spring.

However, he has struggled to maintain that form and the contract situation just adds to uncertainty over his future.

"That part is with Jason," said Amorim. "He has a contract. I haven't heard any news on that."

Katie Stafford
BBC Sport journalist

Manchester United boss Ruben Amorim has been speaking to the media before Sunday's Premier League game against Fulham at Craven Cottage (kick-off 16:30 BST).

Here are the key lines from his news conference:

• Lisandro Martinez and Noussair Mazraoui remain unavailable but "the rest of the guys are fit and ready to play".

• On Andre Onana: "He is ready to play like last week, so we will see in the game who is going to be the goalkeeper."

• Rasmus Hojlund has responded to being dropped "like a professional player" and his future "will be a lot clearer" once the transfer window has closed.

• On whether he is waiting on outgoings to make way for incomings: "We don't know what is going to happen but we are not waiting to take out someone to bring in another. One is not responsible for the other."

• More on 'the bomb squad': "I have to train with the guys who I think are the future and the others are training and preparing for their next chapter. It's not a good thing to have players in this situation, but it is clear that they want to play at a different club."

• He could see "improvement" in the way United performed against Arsenal, with the team "not losing the ball as many times in the build-up" and "creating more chances".

• Their next step is "about being consistent" and "trying to maintain that level and improve a little bit".

• He said he is not aware of any contract update for Kobbie Mainoo, but added the midfielder "is there, he is fighting and he is training, so he is one more option for us to win games".

• On opponents Fulham: "They have a clear identity. Marco Silva is really experienced and smart. They will feel comfortable and confident for the game. They will feel relaxed. It is going to be a tough match."

Listen to BBC Radio 5 Live commentary of Fulham v Manchester United on Sunday

Follow all of Friday's Premier League news conferences and the rest of the day's football news

Manchester United's defending of set-pieces has proven a hot topic for those of you sending us questions via our 'Ask about Man Utd' form.

You can continue to send your questions and we'll try our best put them to experts or look at data to find some conclusions.

There is indeed a nasty habit of conceding from dead balls on show.

Since the start of 2023-24, United have conceded more goals from corners than any other Premier League side. The latest, as you'll know too well, secured Arsenal a win at Old Trafford on the opening day.

You can see what our Manchester United reporter Simon Stone says about it below.

In addition, United's tally of conceding from corners is the worst in Europe's big five leagues during the same timespan.

If we include all set-pieces - so penalties and free-kicks too - United have leaked 40 goals since the start of 2023-24. Only Tottenham (41) and Wolves (47) are worse in the Premier League.

There is plenty of work for set-piece coach Carlos Fernandes to do.

How do you improve the situation? Sign bigger, physical individuals? Seek a goalkeeper who wants to dominate the penalty box? Or something else?

Tell us here

Sami Mokbel
Senior football correspondent

Image source, Getty Images

Manchester United are close to appointing Crystal Palace club doctor Imitiaz Ahmad as outgoing Gary O'Driscoll's successor.

It emerged earlier this year that O'Driscoll would leave Old Trafford after joining the Premier League club in September 2023 in the position of head of sports medicine.

United have undertaken a full process in identifying candidates for their role as the club's medical figurehead and are in advanced talks with Dr Ahmad, whose official title at Selhurst Park is head of sports medicine and science, over replacing O'Driscoll.

It is expected that Dr Ahmad will be formally appointed in the coming weeks.

Dr Ahmad joined Palace from Championship club Queens Park Rangers, where he spent over seven years, in February 2024.

Simon Stone
Manchester United reporter

Image source, Getty Images

Ruben Amorim will be speaking to the media in a couple of hours.

It will be interesting to see if he says anything about Rasmus Hojlund or any of the other players who might be leaving the club before the transfer window closes.

Victor Boniface's impending move to AC Milan from Bayer Leverkusen seems to have closed one door for Hojlund, but there is genuine interest from Napoli and there is a growing feeling a deal could be struck that would allow the Denmark forward to make that move.

Romelu Lukaku has been ruled out for up to four months with a thigh injury, so Hojlund would have a chance to make his mark with the Serie A title winners, and there is a belief that any loan would include an obligation for the transfer to become permanent next summer.

Simon Stone
Manchester United reporter

There seemed to have been improvement but worrying signs have emerged over the past couple of weeks around a weakness that led to United conceding 13 goals from set pieces in the Premier League last season - a figure only exceeded by Arsenal, Southampton and Wolves.

After a pre-season during which United had not conceded a set-piece goal, they did in their final game, to a straightforward outswinger into the box that landed directly at the feet of an unmarked Simon Sohm, who finished first-time as the home defence left the back-half of the penalty area totally unattended.

That seems a fairly simple issue to fix as replays identify two Fiorentina players being left free.

Arsenal's winner at Old Trafford owed more to a combination of Declan Rice's delivery and Gabriel crowding out goalkeeper Altay Bayindir. That is harder to remedy.

Any corner dropping where Rice's did is going to create a problem. On Sunday, Ruben Amorim was looking for a bit of protection for Bayindir from referee Simon Hooper that did not arrive.

Amorim said if that was the rule, United would play to that. Do not be surprised if his defenders offer Bayindir, or Andre Onana if the Cameroon international is recalled, support by trying to clear a space around him – which almost certainly will lead to a lot of work for referee Chris Kavanagh as he deals with the inevitable push and shove when they face Fulham this weekend.

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Manchester United are hoping Tottenham will enter the race to sign 21-year-old Argentina winger Alejandro Garnacho and provide competition to Chelsea. (Givemesport), external

Roma's hopes of signing 25-year-old winger Jadon Sancho from Manchester United may rest on whether his agent reduces the 10m euros (£8.6m) commission they want for the deal to happen. (Corriere della Sport in Italian), external

Real Betis are still hopeful of signing 25-year-old Manchester United winger Antony, but they have put the onus on the Premier League club to make a decision over his future. (Mail), external

Want more transfer stories? Read Friday's full gossip column

Follow the gossip column on BBC Sport

Our Manchester United fan contributor Beth Tucker shares the concerns she has as Ruben Amorim faces a midfield dilemma.

Find more from Beth Tucker at The United Stand, external

How do you see Man Utd's midfield shaping up? Who plays where? Tell us