Manchester United’s defensive struggles this season – 26 goals conceded in just 16 league games – haven’t dimmed the growing belief in a new star at Old Trafford: goalkeeper Senne Lammens.
Former United keeper Mark Bosnich has been particularly impressed, predicting Lammens will become the club’s long-term solution in goal. He sees echoes of a world-class talent in the young Belgian, a player who reminds him strikingly of Thibaut Courtois.
The Premier League presents a unique challenge for goalkeepers arriving from abroad. It’s a relentless, high-intensity environment unlike anything found on the continent, offering little in the way of refereeial protection. Lammens, however, has seemingly adapted seamlessly.
Bosnich recalls the initial difficulties faced by even United legends like Peter Schmeichel and Edwin van der Sar, acknowledging that even the greatest have moments of adjustment. But Lammens, he believes, possesses the inherent talent to consistently deliver outstanding performances.
The contrast with Andre Onana is stark. While excellent at Inter Milan, protected by a strong defense, Onana struggled to replicate that form at United, exposed in a more combative league. Bosnich doesn’t foresee Lammens facing the same hurdles.
At just 23 years old, Lammens has already demonstrated a remarkable ability to handle the pressures of the English game. His composure and skill on the ball are particularly noteworthy, drawing direct comparisons to Courtois.
Beyond technical ability, Bosnich highlights Lammens’ dominance in the penalty area as a crucial asset. This commanding presence, reminiscent of Liverpool’s Bruce Grobbelaar and United’s own Peter Schmeichel, instills confidence throughout the entire defense.
Modern defenders excel in one-on-one ground duels, but aerial challenges remain a significant threat. Lammens’ ability to confidently claim crosses and control his box provides a vital layer of security, lifting the performance of those in front of him and even energizing the crowd.
Bosnich believes Lammens’ arrival solves a critical piece of the puzzle for Manchester United. The uncertainty in the goalkeeping position had been a barrier to progress, but with a settled and capable keeper, the foundation for a potential title-winning side is finally being laid.
For a club yearning for a return to glory – their last Premier League title came in 2013 – Lammens represents more than just a goalkeeper; he embodies a renewed sense of hope and a potential pathway back to the pinnacle of English football.
