Sunderland’s recent Premier League form has defied expectations, placing them above Manchester United in the league table. A key factor in their success is the performance of their new goalkeeper, Robin Roefs, signed for a modest £9m. Meanwhile, Manchester United’s significant investment in goalkeepers has yet to yield similar results. The contrast highlights Sunderland’s shrewd recruitment and Manchester United’s ongoing struggles.
Sunderland’s goalkeeper signing outshines Manchester United’s investment
Sunderland, newly promoted last season, currently sit fifth in the Premier League. Manchester United, in contrast, find themselves in 14th place after six games. This surprising turn of events is partly due to Sunderland’s effective transfer business, specifically their acquisition of a goalkeeper.
Manchester United’s goalkeeping issues have been a contributing factor to their disappointing start. Altay Bayindir has struggled, and Andre Onana is on loan at Trabzonspor after errors. As a result, pressure mounts on Senne Lammens, signed from Royal Antwerp for £18.2m.
Manchester United have spent nearly £70m on goalkeepers since July 2023, including £47.2m on Onana and £4.3m on Bayindir. However, their performances have not justified the investment. Sunderland, on the other hand, appear to have struck gold with Robin Roefs.
Robin Roefs’s impact at Sunderland
Robin Roefs, the 22-year-old goalkeeper, has quickly adapted to the Premier League. He has kept three clean sheets in six appearances, second only to Nick Pope at Newcastle. Roefs is also helping Sunderland secure points, exceeding expectations based on the numbers.
Against Nottingham Forest, Roefs was ‘expected’ to concede 2.16 goals but made six saves in a 1-0 win. Furthermore, the Netherlands U21 international demonstrated his ability with the ball at his feet, recording two key passes in the same match.
Manchester United’s missed opportunity in the Eredivisie
Sunderland have secured Robin Roefs on a five-year contract, potentially earning them a significant profit. Regis Le Bris now has a reliable presence in goal. Manchester United have signed players from the Eredivisie, such as Antony, Lisandro Martinez and Tyrell Malacia, but they overlooked Robin Roefs.
The rise of Roefs at NEC Nijmegen seemingly went unnoticed by Manchester United. Sunderland are now benefiting from their oversight. Manchester United fans are waiting to see if Senne Lammens can match Robin Roefs’s talent.
Senne Lammens has been on the bench for three Premier League games, including defeats against Manchester City and Brentford, and a win over Chelsea. Luke Shaw has been impressed with Lammens in training. Tom Heaton has also praised his “goalkeeping fundamentals.” It remains to be seen if Ruben Amorim will give the Belgium U21 international a chance.
The contrast between Sunderland’s astute signing of Robin Roefs and Manchester United’s goalkeeping struggles underscores the importance of effective recruitment. Sunderland’s success serves as a reminder that value can be found even without exorbitant spending, while Manchester United must reassess their approach to identifying and integrating goalkeeping talent.
