The atmosphere at Manchester United has been transformed in recent weeks, with a newfound sense of stability emanating from a previously troubled position: the goalkeeper’s spot. Manager Ruben Amorim has openly expressed his admiration for summer signing Senne Lammens, whose composed performances have provided a solid foundation for the team’s recent resurgence. The 23-year-old Belgian, who arrived from Royal Antwerp on deadline day for an initial £18 million, was initially consigned to a place on the bench, with Altay Bayindir preferred as the starter.
However, the team’s defensive frailties persisted, culminating in an embarrassing 3-1 defeat to Brentford. That match proved to be a turning point, prompting Amorim to make a decisive change. Lammens was promoted to the number-one role, and he has since made the position his own with a series of assured displays. His opportunity finally arrived against Sunderland, where he marked his debut with a clean sheet and three crucial saves, instantly instilling confidence in a backline that had looked vulnerable. He followed this up with another impressive performance in the hostile environment of Anfield, helping United secure a monumental 2-1 victory over rivals Liverpool. This swift and positive impact has drawn significant praise from his manager, who admitted, “Senne Lammens has been great. His impact surprised me a little bit, because it is hard in the moment of our club and all of the speculation around our goalkeepers… he has coped really well with the pressure.”
Composure under pressure and a voice of caution
Amorim’s praise extended beyond simple shot-stopping. He specifically highlighted a quality that has been sorely missing since the departure of David de Gea and the failed experiment with Andre Onana: composure with the ball at his feet. “He is really composed,” Amorim noted, emphasizing how Lammens’ poise in possession has allowed United’s center-backs more time and confidence to play out from the back, effectively mitigating the opposition’s press and building attacks from a solid base. This technical security has been a cornerstone of the team’s improved structure in their two consecutive wins.
The excitement among the fanbase is palpable, with some supporters already drawing comparisons to legendary United goalkeepers like Peter Schmeichel. Amorim, however, was quick to temper these lofty expectations, urging for perspective and patience. “He’s not Schmeichel yet,” the Portuguese manager stated firmly. “He’s a young guy with talent. He showed a lot of composure, and the fans liked it. But again, that is in the past; we need to prove in the next game.” This call for calm was echoed by the legendary goalkeeper himself. Speaking on the Monday Night Club, Schmeichel warned that it is far too early to make a definitive judgment on the young keeper. He pointed out that while the initial signs are positive—citing the clean sheet and solidity as things “we’ve not seen for a while”—the true test of his character is yet to come.
Schmeichel elaborated, “This young lad didn’t have much to do for a long time, but he did well when called upon. You could see his confidence grow after that first save, and the defenders reacted well.” However, he concluded with a crucial caveat, stating, “He did well, it was clean and positive… But we’ll really see what kind of goalkeeper he is when he makes mistakes and has to respond to them. That’s when we’ll know how good he can be.” This seasoned perspective underscores the relentless pressure and scrutiny that comes with the role at Old Trafford, a challenge that Lammens is only beginning to navigate.
Building momentum and looking ahead
Despite the calls for caution, the statistics from Lammens’ time at Antwerp suggest Amorim may have unearthed a significant talent. Last season, he made a remarkable 173 saves for his former club, with metrics indicating he prevented approximately 18.4 goals and maintained a save percentage of 77.4. These figures point to a goalkeeper with immense potential, a “rough diamond waiting to be polished” at the highest level.
For now, Lammens is the undisputed first choice. The team has secured six vital points from the two games he has started, and his assuring presence has been a key factor. Amorim will undoubtedly not want to tinker with a winning formula as United prepares for their next challenge against Brighton at Old Trafford. A victory in that match would secure a third consecutive Premier League win, a feat that would mark a significant first during Ruben Amorim’s turbulent reign and signal that this new-found stability might just be the beginning of a genuine turnaround.