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Manchester United’s primary focus this summer may be a major midfield rebuild, but the club is also assessing reinforcements in other positions, notably between the posts.

Senne Lammens, aged 24, has arguably been the most shrewd signing of the INEOS era, joining from Royal Antwerp for just £18.1 million last summer.

Although the high-profile arrivals of Matheus Cunha, Bryan Mbeumo, and Benjamin Sesko during the same transfer window grabbed more attention, none of them have matched the impact made by Lammens.

The Belgian international delivered an outstanding debut campaign in the Premier League, handling the pressure of being Manchester United’s first-choice goalkeeper at Old Trafford with remarkable composure. His calming presence stabilised the backline, while his shot-stopping and distribution stood out as major strengths.

The responsibility of the No.1 jersey had previously overwhelmed both Andre Onana and Altay Bayindir, each of whom struggled with consistency and made a series of costly errors during their spells in goal.

Under Michael Carrick’s management, Lammens is expected to retain his starting position next season. However, United’s management is keen to restructure the goalkeeping department behind him, recognising that at elite level, a team’s depth is often just as crucial as its starting line-up.

Two weeks ago, United finalised another season-long loan deal for Onana to return to Turkish club Trabzonspor, where he also spent last season. Agreeing to this move early in the transfer window indicates the club’s acceptance that it was the most practical option for the 30-year-old Cameroonian.

The club also aims to move on Bayindir to make space for a new deputy goalkeeper to support Lammens. Veteran Tom Heaton, who recently signed a one-year extension, will continue as the third-choice option.

According to reports from The Athletic, United will not bring in another goalkeeper until Bayindir’s departure is confirmed. The Turkish international, who joined from Fenerbahce in 2023, is expected to return to his home country, with several Süper Lig clubs reportedly showing “strong interest”.

One name being considered as a replacement is Karl Darlow, the 35-year-old Wales international whose contract with Leeds United expired last week. Leeds had offered him an extension, which he was initially inclined to accept.

However, the 6-foot-3 Northampton-born keeper is now believed to be “evaluating his options” amid interest from both Manchester United and Everton, with the Merseyside club also keen on securing him on a free transfer.

With both Leeds and Everton already in talks with the experienced shot-stopper, United risk missing out if they delay their move. Darlow’s homegrown status, having come through Aston Villa’s academy system, adds further appeal to his potential signing.

Darlow began last season as Daniel Farke’s No.2 at Leeds, but the underwhelming form of summer recruit Lucas Perri prompted the manager to promote him. Darlow went on to make 22 appearances and played a key role in ensuring Leeds comfortably avoided relegation, finishing 14th in the Premier League.