Ruben Amorim sent ‘lose-lose’ Man Utd warning as manager questioned ahead of Man City game

Ex-Manchester City defender Joleon Lescott has questioned Ruben Amorim’s choice of goalkeeper as Manchester United gear up for a challenging visit to the Etihad in the Premier League

Joleon Lescott has cast doubt on Ruben Amorim’s squad choices this season. The 43-year-old warned that Manchester United’s new goalkeeper Senne Lammens should not make his debut against Manchester City.

The Red Devils’ shaky start to the season has been characterised by some uninspiring performances between the sticks. Turkish shotstopper Altay Bayindir was given the nod in their opening match against Arsenal, where he was at fault for the solitary goal in a 1-0 defeat.

Andre Onana was then selected for the Carabao Cup tie against Grimsby Town. His pair of blunders handed the hosts two goals, and despite United managing to level the score at 2-2, Onana did little to aid his team as they were knocked out of the competition via a penalty shootout.

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Onana now appears to be on his way out of the club, heading to Trabzonspor on loan, with promising young Belgian No. 1 Senne Lammens snapped up for £18.2million on deadline day. However, Lescott believes Bayindir should remain in goal for United’s trip to the Etihad on Sunday, warning that a defeat could dent Lammens’ confidence regardless of his performance.

Pep Guardiola’s team might also introduce a new goalkeeper after securing the services of Gianluigi Donnarumma on the final day of the transfer window. While Lescott acknowledges both Lammens and the Italian could make their debuts, he has urged United to refrain from making a potentially lose-lose decision similar to the one that may have cost them the Grimsby match.

Lescott, speaking on In The Mixer, brought to you by Sky Bet, said: “It wouldn’t surprise me if both the new goalkeepers [Donnarumma and Lammens] start. But what is there to gain with the new United goalkeeper playing?

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“They could still lose by four, and he could have a great game. What that does for his confidence would radiate for weeks. Is there a benefit? You risk that happening.

“If Bayindir goes in and they lose, there is a question mark over him regardless. They should just keep him [Lammens] until there is an easier opportunity than City away. The manager, the club and he as an individual may benefit from that more.

“I just think the risk is bigger than the reward for him to start for United. I thought that against Grimsby. I’m like, why have you picked Onana? I don’t understand the decision.

“There was no benefit for the manager. If he did well in that game, then you’ve got a decision to make at the weekend. If he doesn’t do well, then you’re out of the competition. So I just didn’t grasp that as a rational decision, and I’m the same this weekend. I’m thinking keep it the same and give [Lammens] a different opportunity than City away.”

Should Donnarumma make his debut, he would replace James Trafford, who only joined City from Burnley this summer, between the sticks. Lescott has urged both goalkeepers to be given an equal opportunity, reports the Manchester Evening News.

He added: “I expect Donnarumma to start. Who knows what condition he’ll come back from his national team, which will have an impact. But the expectation of City is higher. There is more pressure on them to win. [Trafford] is top, I definitely believe he felt he was ready to compete with whoever came in, and he should. He’s top. As long as they give him a fair opportunity.

“If Trafford’s out now, and Donnarumma’s in, given an opportunity to play, if he makes a mistake, then it’s back and forth. That’s what players want. I just want it to be fair. ‘If you’re judging me by one thing, then judge the opposing player by the same thing.'”

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