Senne Lammens Delivers the Solution Man United Desperately Sought Beyond Andre Onana
There's much to appreciate about mastering the fundamentals, and Manchester United keeper Senne Lammens exemplifies this approach during his debut campaign in the demanding Old Trafford environment.
Lammens earned Player of the Match honors following Monday evening's gritty Premier League victory against a robust Everton side, and the Belgian appears to offer reliability between the posts after two turbulent seasons with André Onana, who demonstrated both brilliant saves and costly errors.
Speaking to gathered British media representatives, including journalists from BBC Sport, the Daily Mail and Guardian, Lammens expressed his satisfaction in executing all aspects competently, though acknowledging he doesn't always produce "spectacular moments." This approach provides him with a solid platform for consistent performances.
Edwin van der Sar captured it perfectly during his Sky Sports Monday Night Football appearance: "[Lammens] produces saves when required, without attempting unnecessary heroics."
'Execute your role' was Bill Belichick's cherished principle that anchored his New England Patriots success. Lammens embodies this mentality currently, avoiding overambition in his approach.
United's most accomplished goalkeepers this century followed similar patterns—consider Edwin van der Sar or David de Gea. Fabien Barthez lasted merely three seasons and resembled Onana more closely, with the unpredictable Frenchman often too keen to participate and susceptible to mistakes.
Lammens's Childhood Idol Has Shaped His Game
Lammens's Childhood Hero Has Influenced His Style
"Occasionally at United, I don't need to make numerous saves. It represents a different style of goalkeeping, yet it can be most challenging when only one or two interventions are required," Lammens noted, emphasizing the need for focus during extended quiet periods.
"Complete and without significant weaknesses," describes his approach. "You don't always face heavy workloads, but maintaining concentration and denying opponents opportunities—especially simple ones—remains crucial."
Manuel Neuer represents versatility, which explains why the German, rather than compatriot Thibaut Courtois—whom Lammens naturally draws comparisons with—serves as particular motivation. "I admired [Neuer] tremendously because he possessed no obvious vulnerabilities.
"I've discussed this extensively with Tom Heaton, who's been supporting me during my tenure here. He emphasizes avoiding mistakes and maintaining your team's position. For sustained success, particularly at elite clubs, they must trust you completely and rely on your consistency."
While not meant as criticism of Onana, these qualities were occasionally absent from his game.
Lammens Game for Physical Premier League Challenges
Lammens Embraces Premier League's Physical Demands
When Ruben Amorim chose not to select Onana during the season's opening weeks, despite the Cameroon goalkeeper's recovery from preseason injury, he preferred Altay Bayındır. However, the Turkish keeper found the Premier League's aerial challenges difficult, an area where Lammens excels, as demonstrated when Everton repeatedly targeted his penalty area during set pieces this week.
"It's among my assets, and I sometimes welcome the test," the former Royal Antwerp goalkeeper revealed. "Naturally it can become overwhelming occasionally, but everyone must adapt. As a goalkeeper, you must adjust to these conditions, train accordingly, and improve continuously.
"I've performed well in this area, so I'll maintain that standard. I believe Manchester United showed interest partly because they understood these requirements. Honestly, if this pattern continues—the overall physicality and corner situations—I actually find it enjoyable. I appreciate stepping beyond my comfort zone and handling these challenges."