Manchester United’s new goalkeeper Senne Lammens insists he is unfazed by the weight of expectation that comes with guarding the posts at Old Trafford — and has played down early comparisons with legendary stopper Peter Schmeichel.
At just 23 years old and with only one full season of senior football behind him, Lammens has already stepped into one of the most demanding roles in world football. Since his £18.1m deadline-day move from Royal Antwerp, the Belgian has quickly established himself as United’s first-choice keeper, replacing Altay Bayindir after the Turkish international’s inconsistent start to the season.
The decision to sign Lammens was controversial. Manager Ruben Amorim had reportedly pushed for Aston Villa’s World Cup winner Emiliano Martínez, but United’s hierarchy opted instead for a younger, long-term project. So far, that gamble appears to be paying off.
Speaking exclusively to BBC Sport ahead of United’s trip to Nottingham Forest, Lammens said he relishes the challenge rather than fears it. “Of course, you hear from other people there is a lot of pressure coming here and playing for this team,” he said. “But I welcome that. It’s nice to play for such a big club — there should be pressure. I’m not scared of it.”
His calm presence has been noticed by fans who, disillusioned by the struggles of André Onana and Bayindir, greeted Lammens with a standing ovation when he caught his first ball on debut against Sunderland earlier this month. That clean sheet was United’s first of the season, prompting chants of “Are you Schmeichel in disguise?” — a nod to the club’s most iconic goalkeeper.
Lammens laughed off the comparison. “I don’t listen to it too much during the game, but I saw it afterwards,” he said. “I’m not Schmeichel in disguise. I’m just Senne Lammens trying to help the team. It’s an amazing compliment, but I have a long way to go to be in that conversation.”
United fans have appreciated not only his confidence but also his pragmatism. Under Lammens, the team has played more directly from the back — a noticeable change from their earlier attempts to build through short passes. “It’s not about tactics; it’s about intensity and realism,” he explained. “Against Liverpool, we knew it wouldn’t be pretty. We had to play long, fight for second balls, and make it hard for them. Sometimes, building from the back can hurt you more than it helps.”
That blend of composure and decision-making has impressed his defensive partners, Harry Maguire and Matthijs de Ligt. “They told me I don’t need to be the most special goalkeeper, just someone who can be there in the big moments,” Lammens said. “It helps them to know there’s someone behind them they can trust.”
Despite his strong start, Lammens admits he is still learning. His debut featured a risky charge outside the box, and mistakes against Liverpool and Brighton drew mild criticism. Yet his confidence remains undented. “Every goalkeeper makes errors,” he said. “It’s how you respond that matters. I’ve stayed calm and focused on improving each game.”
Lammens’ journey to Old Trafford began in Belgium, where he first stood between the posts simply to help his older brother — a lifelong United fan — practise shooting. “I didn’t like running much,” he joked, “so goalkeeper made sense.”
He was eased into Amorim’s side after his September arrival, sitting on the bench for three matches as he adapted to the intensity of English football. “At first, I had a bit of difficulty in training,” he admitted. “The manager saw that and gave me time. When my chance came, it was the perfect moment.”
Now firmly established, Lammens has his sights set on a long career in Manchester. “I want to have a long career here,” he said. “Then maybe one day, I can be mentioned with Schmeichel, Van der Sar, and De Gea. That would be really nice.”
For now, he remains grounded — just Senne Lammens, not Schmeichel in disguise, but a young goalkeeper making an assured start in one of football’s toughest jobs.
