By the summer of 2025, it was obvious that Manchester United had to address their goalkeeping department if they were to stand a chance of competing.
Andre Onana and Altay Bayindir had both proven unreliable, delivering inconsistent performances between the sticks.
Edwin van der Sar and David de Gea had set the bar so high for Manchester United’s goalkeeping that it would take someone special to live up to their standard.
Lammens the upgrade
That summer, INEOS signed Senne Lammens, and he went on to prove that he might belong in the same bracket as goalkeepers like De Gea and Van der Sar.
With Lammens’ shot-stopping and defensive stability, Manchester United’s defensive numbers improved significantly. He brought a calmer, more commanding presence to United’s backline.
By the end of the season, he had proven such a hit that he walked away with the Premier League Transfer of the Season award.
However, he has not enjoyed the brightest start to this campaign, conceding six goals in three league matches, though he has not been entirely to blame. The defence has let him down badly.
Still, these early concerns have not shaken his belief, desire, or dedication.
In fact, Lammens has now opened up on what kind of goalkeeper he wants to become for the 20-time English champions and revealed which trait he would take from legendary United goalkeeper Van der Sar if he could pick just one.
Who Lammens wants to be for Man United
Speaking on Via Play, Lammens said:
“Big clubs don’t want a keeper who performs well one match and poorly the next match. You want someone who is a rock behind the defence. Someone the team can rely on.
“That’s definitely a major goal for me. It’s something to embody as a goalkeeper. You can compare it a bit to Edwin van der Sar. He’s someone I admire greatly. What I want to take from his game is that calmness.”
Despite the recent, minor concerns raised over his struggles to keep clean sheets, the 24-year-old shot-stopper has undoubtedly proved a big upgrade on what Manchester United had before him.
His performances have been a breath of fresh air compared to Onana and Bayindir.
He is still developing, and if one or two things are ironed out, he will surely go on to become one of Man United’s greats.
Hopefully, that clean sheet against Sabah FK marks the start of Lammens keeping more clean sheets, proving his worth, and silencing the doubters.
Featured image by George Wood via Getty Images
