Following the Belgian goalkeeper’s debut in Saturday afternoon’s 2-0 victory over Sunderland, Manchester United fans have made their opinions known. The fact that the team had spent the majority of its summer budget on forwards and then neglected to address a problematic position until the last minute made many at Old Trafford feel a sense of remorse.
It was considered a contentious move to take their focus off of Gianluigi Donnarumma, one of the best goalkeepers in the world, who only cost their city rivals £26 million, plus an additional £8 million. However, their 23-year-old substitute might still prove to be a gem in the rough and a fantastic long-term fix.
Senne Lammens’ Outstanding Man United Debut
It has taken a while for the former Royal Antwerp goalie, who has had to endure watching Bayindir keep getting the gloves from Ruben Amorim. But since he performed so well that his management might never look back, the choice to ultimately give him his first start could turn out to be a game-changer.
During his 90-minute debut, the Belgian demonstrated outstanding distribution abilities. Although his predecessor had demonstrated the ability to play with the ball, Lammens’ strengths extended beyond playing out of the back with composure. He was on the lookout for multiple dangerous crosses in the first half and made a brilliant stop to deny Granit Xhaka. One X user responded to his performance by saying (see his first save below):
“Observe that Lammens save! At last, we have a competent goalie. I’m crying!”
“Very happy with Lammens!” Another user said, “Not saying he’s been world-class, but you can see the steadiness he brings to the team.” “Senne Lammens distribution has been TOP so far,” a third person commented elsewhere, and a fourth person wrote: “I’m not even exaggerating when I say that Lammens makes me feel safer.” It appears to be a soothing presence for the defenders.
United fans will be exhaling a cautious but substantial sigh of relief that their wager on a relatively unknown quantity has paid off so early as the team concluded the game with three saves, a 100% run-out success rate, and—most importantly—a clean sheet.
“Lammens is going to be a big part of Manchester United’s success,” as one fan put it, demonstrating that he has already created an almost flawless first impression.
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