It’s been a whirlwind couple of months for Senne Lammens as he adjusts to life at Manchester United, keeping goal for arguably the biggest club side in the world.
Ineos officials had gone in search of a reliable shot-stopper late in the summer, following a disappointing spell with Andre Onana, initially looking at acquiring the experience of Aston Villa’s Emiliano Martinez.
However, after careful deliberation, and much to the delight of a withered audience, Lammens completed his dream move on deadline day in an £18 million deal from Royal Antwerp.
Since then, the Belgian has captivated the senses of the Stretford End with a series of notable displays across five appearances, cultivating the prospect of an assured presence for a decade or more.
Manchester United choose potential over experience with Senne Lammens
Having generated considerable interest with an array of impressive displays in Belgium, the Zottegem native received a sterling recommendation from United’s goalkeeping scout, Tony Coton.
Weeks later, speaking on the ‘Inside Carrington Podcast‘, Jason Wilcox explained how the former United coach was pivotal in spotting Lammens and bringing him to the club.
“We needed players that we could plug in and play with little transition time,” he stated. “Senne, we were always looking at goalkeepers that have got huge potential, and Senne was available, and we decided to move.
“But it wasn’t a knee-jerk reaction. Tony (Coton) was putting Senne on my radar 12 months ago, you know, and he was relentless with it. This guy is going to be a top signing for us, and you know he started well, but he’s got to keep it going.
“He is very reflective, and he is very professional with his approach. He wants to get better.”
Given his relative lack of top-level experience, it may appear to be like an audition for the role this season, and, if things don’t work out, then perhaps the Red Devils will be tempted to bring in a more established ‘keeper.
Nevertheless, the newcomer has risen to the challenge with minimal fuss to date and has already built an impressive fanbase in England.
In response to an assured debut in a home win over Sunderland on October 5, the Stretford End reacted with cries of ‘Are you Schmeichel in disguise?’
The Belgian followed up this display by helping United win 2-1 against arch-rivals Liverpool and claim a first win at Anfield in almost a decade.
A solid if unspectacular performance followed in a win over Brighton before the Belgium U21 international made two top-class saves in the weekend draw with Tottenham – a contribution that suddenly seems all the more significant now given the result.
Notably, United’s run of five consecutive fixtures without defeat has coincided with his introduction to the first team.
Talent is one thing, but committing to it is an entirely different dynamic.
Given Wilcox’s desire to seal a five-year deal with an option for an additional 12 months, the club feel they have identified the man to protect the net, alongside their aspirations to fulfil ‘Project 150‘.
Now that he has usurped Altay Bayindir as the leading man, Lammens should continue his development as the first choice at M16.
Additionally, he has also received a call-up to the Belgium senior squad for their upcoming World Cup qualifiers against Kazakhstan and Liechtenstein.
The talented shotstopper is due to return to England after the internationals as United prepare for a Premier League clash against Everton at Old Trafford, where the youngster and his new teammates will be eager to continue their unbeaten streak.
A calm and composed character, Lammens has so far proven to be a safe pair of hands for Ruben Amorim’s United. Long may it continue.
Have you been impressed with Senne Lammens’ start to life at Manchester United? Let us know in the comments or across our social channels.
Photo by operations@newsimages.co.uk via depositphotos.com
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