Featured Image Credit: Getty Images
Topics: Man Utd, Sunderland, Premier League, Fan Reactions
Jack Kenmare
Topics: Man Utd, Sunderland, Premier League, Fan Reactions
Ruben Amorim handed Senne Lammens his Manchester United debut on Saturday as they welcomed Sunderland to Old Trafford – and it didn't take him long to make an impression.
Lammens, a deadline day signing from Royal Antwerp, was picked ahead of Altay Bayindir by under-fire manager Ruben Amorim, who explained his decision before kick-off.
"It's rotation. Everybody has to be ready to play," said Amorim. "We need to win this game, every opponent is different so we try to find the best characteristics to win every match."
Amorim's decision to start Lammens should come as no surprise. Described as having a calm presence between the sticks, the Belgian has impressed in first-team training since his £18.2 million move.
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Fellow goalkeeper Tom Heaton also gave an insight into his teammate's start to life at Old Trafford during a recent interview.
"He has a strong personality," he told the Training Ground Guru podcast. "His goalkeeping fundamentals are very impressive. I said that to him after a couple of days' training. He's been very impressive so far."
Lammens was one of the standout performers in the Belgian Pro League last season, keeping seven clean sheets in 30 games. In fact, he ranked first for total saves made (173) with a 77.4 per cent save percentage.
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And he continued that form into Saturday's clash against Sunderland, impressing many with his shot-stopping ability and composure, as well as his overall passing range.
Here's how United fans reacted to his first-half display against the newly-promoted side.
One said: "Senne Lammens is changing our lives already and it’s only been 45 minutes," while another commented: "Senne Lammens, don't think I'm not noticing your long passing to Benjamin Šeško & Bryan Mbeumo. You have my attention."
A third wrote: "Best first half I've seen at Old Trafford in a long time. Not perfect, but signs of improvement. Really like the look of Lammens, think he could be a top keeper. Commands his box really well."
A fourth said: "Finally a keeper that comes and claims crosses. Lammens might change our lives," and a fifth added: "Very happy with Lammens! Not saying he's been world class but you can see the steadiness he brings to the team."
Speaking in his post-match media duties, goalscorer Mason Mount was full of praise for Lammens.
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"It's important in the Premier League to keep clean sheets, you have chances to score and then to keep the clean sheet in the second half was so important," he said.
"He was solid when we were under pressure. The option was Ben [Sesko] and we worked off that. Buzzing for him, everyone was around him today. It can be tough making your first start. We want to be together, and I felt that today, so we keep moving forward."
It has been a tricky start to the 2025-26 campaign for United, but they looked in control for large spells against Regis Le Bris's side as goals from Mount and Benjamin Sesko sealed a 2-0 win.