The Lammens Conundrum: United's Goalkeeping Future in Focus

By Simon Stone
Manchester United Correspondent
Updated 25 September 2025

Lammens has impressed coaches with his technical ability during training sessions

Manchester United's £18.1m acquisition of Senne Lammens from Royal Antwerp continues to generate intense speculation, with the Belgian U21 international yet to make his competitive debut despite three weeks of integration at Carrington.

Training Ground Excellence

Insiders reveal:

• 173 saves in 30 Belgian Pro League appearances last season (20 more than any top-10 league keeper)
• 77.4% save percentage with 18.4 goals prevented (Opta data)
• 71.5% passing accuracy demonstrating modern goalkeeping credentials

"His fundamentals are exceptional," veteran keeper Tom Heaton told Training Ground Guru. "That first reaction save ability? Elite-level already."

Tactical Considerations

Manager Ruben Amorim faces mounting pressure to blood the 23-year-old after:

• Altay Bayindir's 50% save percentage (16th in PL rankings)
• -0.86 goals prevented differential (17th among starters)
• High-profile errors vs Arsenal/Burnley

The Development Dilemma

United's strategic approach includes:

1. Delayed integration to adapt to Premier League physicality
2. Intensive English lessons and cultural orientation
3. Customized strength programs for aerial dominance

Former Red Devils keeper Roy Carroll cautioned: "Remember De Gea's early struggles? We must show similar patience here."

Pathway to Promotion

Potential debut scenarios:

Key Stat: Only 57 senior appearances make Lammens United's least-experienced #1 signing since Les Sealey (1990).

Expert Analysis

Toby Alderweireld (ex-Belgium defender):

"His 6'5" frame dominates the box. Once he adapts to PL crossing patterns, he'll be unstoppable."

With United's next EFL Cup tie not until January, Amorim must choose between:

• Throwing Lammens into Premier League fire
• Risking fan discontent by persisting with Bayindir

The stage is set for English football's latest goalkeeping saga.