Lammens: The ‘Normal Guy’ Becoming Man Utd’s No.1

Lammens: The ‘Normal Guy’ Becoming Man Utd’s No.1

Senne Lammens insists he is “just a normal guy”.

But at Manchester United, the 23-year-old goalkeeper is doing anything but normal things.

After a commanding display in a 1-0 win at Everton, he was described as “bloody brilliant” by David Moyes — praise that underlines how quickly he has become United’s undisputed No.1.

Composure Over Flash

Lammens is not about theatrics.

While a spectacular save from Michael Keane grabbed headlines, it was his calm handling of aerial pressure — particularly under a barrage of corners — that impressed most.

“The first thing you have to do as a goalkeeper is make saves,” Lammens said.

“But I take pride in doing the other things well.”

That understated approach has built trust within United’s back line. His physical presence and command of the six-yard box have quickly adapted to the Premier League’s intensity.

From Antwerp to Old Trafford

Signed for £18.1m from Royal Antwerp, Lammens was not initially expected to start immediately.

However:

• Altay Bayindir struggled early in the season

• Andre Onana departed on loan

• Lammens seized his opportunity

He has now made 21 consecutive league starts under multiple managers — a remarkable rise in his debut campaign.

Former United goalkeeper Edwin van der Sar has spoken positively about his development, while Belgium’s No.1 Thibaut Courtois has also praised his compatriot.

Yet Lammens credits his inspiration to German legend Manuel Neuer.

“I take pride in being an all-round goalkeeper. That’s why I was such a big fan of him.”

The Numbers Behind His Impact

Statistically, Lammens’ rise is backed by data.

While his clean sheet and save percentages may not top the charts, one key metric stands out: goals prevented rate — measuring shot-stopping efficiency against expected goals.

In the Premier League this season:

• Only Bart Verbruggen

• Jordan Pickford

• And Emiliano Martinez

rank higher.

For a goalkeeper in his first Premier League season, that is elite company.

Staying Grounded

Away from Carrington, Lammens avoids the spotlight. He prefers watching basketball to analysing football on television.

At a school visit for World Book Day, he told pupils:

“I try to show the world I’m just a normal guy. Everyone can make it.”

That humility is central to his character — and perhaps part of what makes him so composed under pressure.

A Crucial Call Proven Right

United’s goalkeeping scout Tony Coton pushed for Lammens’ signing, despite managerial preference for Martinez at the time.

So far, that decision has been vindicated.

Altay Bayindir is unlikely to reclaim the spot, and the idea of Onana returning as first choice appears distant.

But Lammens refuses to relax.

“I’m happy it went well, but it’s not the end. I still have to prove myself every week.”

For Manchester United, finding stability between the posts has been rare in recent seasons.

In Senne Lammens, they may have finally found both calm and class.