Manager Julen Lopetegui decided to drop first-choice goalkeeper Alphonse Areola from the Manchester United home fixture due to a number of unconvincing performances in recent matches. 39-year-old Fabianski returned to the starting lineup for the first time in the ongoing Premier League season, but a large section of the home fans were left wondering whether Fabianski should have been started in the huge league fixture against the Red Devils.
However, the Poland international quickly highlighted why Lopetegui preferred him over Areola for this match, as he made a number of huge saves in the first half to keep the visitors from taking a 1-0 lead. Although Fabianski made a mistimed clearance as well on Diogo Dalot's missed open-goal attempt, the experienced star looked much comfortable with his passing and distribution throughout the match.
£7 million West Ham player could sign a new short-term contract next year
Overall, Fabianski saved four big chances and his impressive goalkeeping efforts led the Hammers to score the last-minute 2-1 winner and secure the three points from the match. Areola hasn't enjoyed a great start to this season unlike the previous league campaign, and thus, Fabianski could get more playing time as a regular starter in the upcoming matches against Nottingham Forest and Everton.
If the 39-year-old star keeps a few clean-sheets in these matches, he could start the another massive home fixture against Premier League title favourites Arsenal as well. Thus, Fabianski could play an important role for the Hammers under new manager Julen Lopetegui despite becoming the second-choice goalkeeper after Areola towards the end of the previous season.
Hence, Fabianski could decide to sign a new short-term West Ham contract as well, as he has entered into the final year of his current Hammers contract. The Poland international was expected to leave West Ham after seven years on a free transfer next season, but this encouraging display against Manchester United suggests that West Ham should consider extending Fabianski's contract if he continues his good form in the next few matches.
Previously, there were a lot of speculations regarding West Ham signing a new goalkeeper in the January transfer window, and now it remains to be seen whether the Hammers will bring a young goalkeeper or will prefer to start Fabianski as their first-choice goalkeeper.