2 min read
Football Insider

Senne Lammens: The Key to Manchester United's Path Back to Trophies

Manchester United's search for a long-term replacement for David de Gea seems to have finally come to an end, as former Chelsea goalkeeper Mark Schwarzer believes Senne Lammens is the answer. After a series of unsuccessful attempts to fill De Gea's shoes, including Andre Onana, Lammens' old-fashioned goalkeeping style has brought stability to United's defense. Read on to discover how Lammens is winning over the fans and restoring confidence at Old Trafford.

Senne Lammens: The Key to Manchester United's Path Back to Trophies

Manchester United struggles to find a long-term replacement for David de Gea are over, according to ex-Chelsea keeper Mark Schwarzer. Since the imposing Dutchman left in 2023, Utd have tried unsuccessfully to fill his position with the likes of Tom Heaton, Dean Henderson, Altay Bayindir and, more recently, Andre Onana, but Schwarzer says Ruben Amorim has finally found a worthy replacement.For over a decade, De Gea was the undisputed Man Utd number one, winning the Premier League Golden Glove in his final season, 2022-23. However, his limitations with playing out from the back led to his departure, which many felt was handled poorly, without a proper transition plan. His replacement, Andre Onana, was signed from Inter Milan for £47 million in July 2023 to fit a modern, ball-playing system. Onana's time at the club has been marked by high-profile errors that cost the team points and knocked the defense's confidence. Despite flashes of quality, his inconsistency led to him being dropped and eventually sent on a season-long loan.The back-up situation has been equally turbulent. Academy graduate Dean Henderson was never given a consistent chance and eventually forced a move for regular first-team football. Altay Bayındır, signed for a low fee also looked shaky and unconvincing when called upon. But Schwarzer, who made 514 Premier League appearances for Chelsea, Fulham, Middlesbrough and Leicester, believes Senne Lammens, signed from Royal Antwerp for £18 million ($24m) in the summer, is the long-term solution to United’s keeper question. Speaking to Joe Fortune, former Chelsea goalkeeper Mark Schwarzer said: "I think Senne Lammens has done exceptionally well. It's an interesting one because I think anytime you go to a club of Manchester United's magnitude, there's going to be pressure, let alone at a time where the goalkeeping position has been a real big problem for them for a number of seasons. And of course, you've got Andre Onana, who's a massive personality, one that has really struggled in that shirt. He's always gonna feel pressure, but I think it was a little bit under the radar because no one really knew much about him. I think people kind of almost dismissed him before he started playing. So maybe there was a little bit less pressure on him, but it doesn't matter. He's performed really well. He's played with confidence. He added: "You know what it is for me? It's a bit of old-fashioned goalkeeping back in it again. He's catching the ball, he's taking crosses. He's doing the simple things well. I think we've gotten a little bit carried away with what a goalkeeper does and what the fundamentals of a good goalkeeper are. I think what Lammens has done is he's come in and he's just simplified things, he's been really consistent and by doing that, by dominating, taking crosses, not making mistakes, in particular, big mistakes, he's given his teammates confidence. The ball comes up high in the box. They know that the goalkeeper is going to come out and get it. Okay, there can be a mistake, there's no doubt about it, but so far, he's dealt with everything. So I've really enjoyed watching him play. "I've really enjoyed the simplicity of his game and the understated performances that he's had and I don't say that disrespectfully, I mean that in a really positive way. I mean that he's not trying to get limelight."Despite only being at the club a matter of weeks, his performances have earned him high praise from the Old Trafford faithful, who have likened him to legend Peter Schmeichel, and they’ve even coined a song in his honour. Lammens said: "It was really nice to hear it already in the first game (against Sunderland). I think it is a sign that the fans are happy with me. It feels really good that I can give them that trust."Add GOAL.com as a preferred source on Google to see more of our reportingManchester United have to wait until Monday for their next Premier League fixture and, if results go their way, they could find themselves back in the Champions League spots, heading into the busy festive period. United beat Wolves last time out and are expected to ease past Bournemouth. However, the Cherries have won their last two Premier League away games against Old Trafford, beating them 3-0 both times.

1

Senne Lammens: The Solution to United's Goalkeeping Woes

For over a decade, David de Gea was Manchester United's undisputed number one, but his departure left a void that proved challenging to fill. Despite the high hopes pinned on Andre Onana, his erratic performances led to a search for a new goalkeeper. Academy graduate Dean Henderson and signing Altay Bayındır failed to provide a lasting solution, but the arrival of Senne Lammens seems to have changed the narrative.

2

Mark Schwarzer's Endorsement of Lammens

Former Premier League stalwart Mark Schwarzer has praised Senne Lammens for his composed and traditional approach to goalkeeping. Schwarzer believes that Lammens' focus on the basics like catching the ball, taking crosses, and avoiding costly mistakes has brought a sense of assurance to the United defense. By simplifying his game and staying consistent, Lammens has won over both his teammates and the fans at Old Trafford.

3

The Rise of Senne Lammens at Manchester United

Despite being a recent addition to the squad, Senne Lammens has quickly become a fan favorite at Manchester United. Drawing comparisons to the legendary Peter Schmeichel, Lammens' dependability and reassuring presence in goal have earned him admiration from the supporters. The fans have even dedicated a song to him, a testament to the impact he has made in a short span of time.

4

United's Hopes Rest on Lammens' Shoulders

With Senne Lammens between the posts, Manchester United are looking to secure their place in the Champions League spots and potentially reignite their pursuit of silverware. As Lammens continues to impress with his performances, the club's prospects are on the rise heading into a crucial period of fixtures. The fans' trust in Lammens reflects the belief that he could be the catalyst for United's return to glory.

Published on Dec 12, 2025