Why Senne Lammens can succeed where Andre Onana failed at Man Utd

Manchester United are ready sign Senne Lammens from Club Brugge and make him their new No.1 goalkeeper – but is he ready to replace Andre Onana?

Since David de Gea left Man Utd in the summer of 2023, the Red Devils have had an issue in goal. The rushed signing of Onana by Erik ten Hag backfired spectacularly, with the Cameroon international routinely making significant errors that have cost his side both goals and points.

The 29-year-old appears to have buckled under the pressure of playing for one of the world’s biggest clubs.

Should Man Utd fans be confident that Lammens, who has only 68 senior appearances under his belt, will fail where a Champions League finalist failed?

The evidence suggests that the 23-year-old’s mental strength is one of his major attributes and is doubtless why the Red Devils have rolled the dice to pick him up so young.

Speaking in July, Antwerp coach Stef Wils commented on the professionalism and fortitude of the 23-year-old.

“Senne is a modern goalkeeper. He’s still young, he has the potential to grow. He instils confidence in a defence. When high balls come, it’s a plus that Senne is always there. That gives the central defenders a certain sense of calm,” Wils explained.

“He’s got everything to make it in any league. He’s handling all of this very calmly. He’s a calm guy by nature. I don’t think you can easily get him worked up.”

’Doubt is not an option’

Lammens has been aware that Man Utd have been tracking him for many months, yet that has not caused his focus to waver.

He admitted it was “special” to be scouted by the club back in January and then revealed the habits that have helped him to excel, winning particular praise for his penalty-stopping prowess.

“Doubt isn’t an option,” he said told VoetbalPrimeur. “If you doubt, you’re lost.

“This season, I’ve been writing everything down in a notebook. Penalties, shooting, pressing tactics… everything I need to remember. It really helps since I’m doing well.”

And he kept his feet on the ground, despite United’s interest: “I’m not going to let myself get carried away. Only in the summer will we know if anything actually comes of it. But it’s a compliment, especially since the Premier League suits me. Being able to hold your own physically? I like that.”

Young and confident, Lammens seems to have no mental issues when it comes to joining Man Utd. Now let’s see if his goalkeeping is up to it.

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