Senne Lammens might just be the most important signing INEOS has made for Manchester United since taking over the club’s sporting operations. The Belgian goalkeeper was somewhat of an unknown name in European football, but he has been outstanding for the Reds.
The goalkeeping situation at United since David de Gea’s departure has been a massive problem. Erik ten Hag decided to part ways with the Red Devils’ heroic shot-stopper and replace him with Andre Onana.
It’s fair to say the Cameroonian failed to impress at Old Trafford; in fact, he stumbled. Perhaps the pressure that comes with playing for United proved too much to handle.
Altay Bayindir arrived as Onana’s backup in the summer of 2023, the same transfer window that the latter joined from Inter Milan for £43.8m. Both struggled between the sticks and gave the higher-ups no choice but to swoop for Lammens on deadline day last September.
United paid an initial £18.1m to sign Lammens from Belgian outfit Royal Antwerp. The 23-year-old caught the eye in his homeland, but nobody expected the incredible start he’s made for the Reds.
Lucked out on Lammens
Lammens has nailed down the number one shirt with consistent performances, including in the 1-0 win over Everton on Monday. He was faultless, dealing with the hosts’ rugby scrum-like corner strategy.
The Belgian made four saves, two high claims and four punches. He doesn’t opt for a Hollywood-esque save but instead makes sure to keep hold of the ball.
David Moyes, astounded by his showing at Hill Dicksonson, heaped praise on the young shot-stopper (via BeanymanSports):
“Senne Lammens was bloody brilliant for them tonight. The goalie the save he had from Michael Keane, the way he dealt with the corner kicks, there was a huge amount of pressure on him.”
Lammens’ performance against Everton was probably his best since joining United. He’s now kept five clean sheets in 21 games, including in a 2-0 win over Manchester City.
His calm and composed personality is just what the Reds’ defence needed after the chaos that ensued during Onana’s spell between the sticks. He is playing a crucial role in Michael Carrick’s side’s push for Champions League qualification.
Take a bow Mr Coton
United’s rebuild last summer focused on the frontline, and three big-money attackers arrived. Bryan Mbeumo joined from Brentford for £70m, Benjamin Sesko signed for the club in a £73m deal, and Matheus Cunha’s £62.5m release clause in his Wolves contract was triggered.
It looked as though the window might close without a new goalkeeper arriving at the Theatre of Dreams. That was until Ruben Amorim turned to Bayindir, and he looked shaky, and Onana put in a catastrophic performance in the humiliating defeat to Grimsby Town in the League Cup.
United decided enough was enough and swooped for Lammens, who signed a five-year deal. This was thanks to goalkeeper scout Tony Coton, who pushed for the Belgian.
The Telegraph reports that if Amorim had his way, Emiliano Martinez would have been the one the Reds would have signed. The veteran Aston Villa goalkeeper was linked throughout the summer and started the season out of Unai Emery’s team.
Coton had been “championing” Lammens for over a year and convinced the board to prioritise the Antwerp shot-stopper over Martinez. It has proven to be one of the best decisions made by INEOS since it became a co-owner in February 2024.
There has been criticism of INEOS’ handling of United, but last summer was a superb one for recruitment. It proves they can be trusted in the transfer market, especially in situations like finding a long-term number one.
