“Carrying a Weighty Responsibility” – The Challenge of Being Manchester United’s Goalkeeper
A Tough Role in a Struggling Team
“It’s challenging to be the starting goalkeeper at Manchester United right now,” expressed Ruben Amorim in his final comments before the international break. This situation will be central to United’s upcoming training sessions at Carrington in anticipation of the Manchester derby at the Etihad Stadium on Sunday.
Following Amorim’s remarks after their exhilarating 3-2 triumph over Burnley, United decided to invest £18 million in 23-year-old Senne Lammens from Royal Antwerp, prioritizing him over Aston Villa’s World Cup-winning goalkeeper, Emiliano Martinez. The club is also contemplating a loan arrangement for Andre Onana, who was signed for £47 million from Inter Milan, allowing him to leave as they reassess their goalkeeping situation.
Consequently, Amorim is faced with a dilemma: should he continue with Altay Bayindir, who has made several critical errors in the Premier League, or should he place his trust in Lammens, granting him his debut under intense scrutiny?
The pressure is palpable, knowing that any mistakes will attract immediate and harsh criticism.
What Led to Onana’s Downfall?
Critics have claimed that Onana’s skills do not meet expectations, a viewpoint that fails to recognize his real talent. Edwin van der Sar, the legendary goalkeeper who closely monitored Onana during his tenure at Ajax, had endorsed his transfer to United before the season and maintained that support even through a rocky start.
Onana lamented about his rapid decline after joining the club, questioning, “What happened to the best goalkeeper in the world?” Reports indicate he was recruited for his passing abilities but soon found himself adapting to a different style of play.
His debut did not bode well; a pre-season match against Lens saw him venture outside his box, resulting in a costly blunder. Problems intensified as Erik ten Hag replaced David de Gea with Onana but changed the team’s tactical approach, which undermined Onana’s performance. This shift led to fans questioning his capabilities as errors began to mount.
Although Amorim continued to select him, signs of waning trust became evident after comments made before a Europa League match where he stated United were “better” than their opponents. This led to a wave of criticism, culminating in a match fraught with mistakes.
Despite featuring in crucial games, Onana’s standing within the team weakened as he saw his role diminish.
The Burden of the Number One Shirt
Manchester United’s decision to favor Lammens over Martinez exemplifies their vision for the future—a goalkeeper who will mature within the team over the next few seasons as they strive for silverware once more. However, the immense pressure surrounding any errors made by a United goalkeeper is significant.
Phil Jones, a former defender at the club, noted, “To wear the United shirt is a significant responsibility.” He emphasized the importance of mental resilience, recounting the pressure and scrutiny experienced by goalkeepers at the club. Seven different goalkeepers played in the Premier League during his tenure, all facing some degree of relentless judgment.
He added, “If a goalkeeper falters, it quickly spreads through the defense. It’s a mental game as much as a physical one.” This insight highlights why goalkeepers like David de Gea excelled despite slow starts; they manage to remain composed amidst chaos and pressure.
Carroll Shares His Experience with Pressure
Notable figures like De Gea, Van der Sar, and Peter Schmeichel are lauded as the modern greats of United’s goalkeeping lineage. However, many others contributed to success during their reigns.
Roy Carroll, currently coaching in Saudi Arabia, shared his perspective. “Arriving at United in 2001 was daunting, especially comparisons to Schmeichel,” he recalled. He acknowledged that mistakes were magnified in the spotlight of Manchester United, a reality that requires immense mental fortitude.
Carroll’s career at United included 72 appearances but is most remembered for a critical error that cost a match against Tottenham—demonstrating how a single moment can overshadow an otherwise successful career.
He correctly observes that the mental aspect of goalkeeping can prove crucial, particularly in high-stakes environments that challenge their emotional resilience. “The pressure is intense; it can break you if you let it.”
Each of these perspectives proves that behind every great goalkeeper, there is a narrative of resilience and the constant battle against public perception and internal expectations.
