Scholes warns Man Utd Lammens has not yet proved title-winning quality
Paul Scholes has warned Manchester United that Senne Lammens has yet to prove he is the elite goalkeeper needed to underpin a Premier League title challenge, saying the Belgian’s status remains unresolved.
Key takeaways
- Lammens, 24, joined United from Royal Antwerp for £21.7 million last summer.
- The Belgian has moved ahead of Altay Bayindir and established himself in the starting side.
- Scholes believes title-winning teams require an outstanding goalkeeper as the base of their defence.
- He pointed to Alisson, David Raya, Peter Schmeichel and Edwin van der Sar as examples of that standard.
- Lammens recently conceded to Erling Haaland in Manchester United’s derby defeat.
Scholes questions United’s goalkeeping foundation
United are attempting to shape a new identity under Michael Carrick, but Scholes believes the goalkeeper position could still demand attention.
“Which Premier League-winning side did not have a top goalkeeper?” Scholes said on The Good, The Bad and The Football podcast. “Lammens could become one, but I’m not sure yet. The judgement is still pending, and then you construct the back four from there.”
Scholes compared United’s situation with Arsenal’s defensive progress over the past three or four years. He said Arsenal’s strength at the back had been central to their improvement and argued that every serious project begins with a dependable No 1.
He cited Liverpool’s Alisson and Arsenal’s Raya alongside former United greats Schmeichel and Van der Sar, insisting all were exceptional keepers. Carrick may have to wait for Lammens to reach that level, Scholes added, or eventually seek an improvement.
Lammens aiming for long United stay
Lammens has previously made clear that he wants to turn his early opportunity at Old Trafford into a lengthy career. He has acknowledged the scrutiny that comes with English football, where poor form can bring fierce criticism and good performances can quickly be celebrated.
The goalkeeper said comparisons with Schmeichel were flattering but premature, stressing that he must deliver far more before he can be mentioned alongside the Dane. His target is to remain at United for 10 years, make himself important to the team and leave a legacy comparable to Schmeichel and Van der Sar.
The Haaland goal in the derby has intensified the focus on Lammens, although United’s loss was not solely down to their goalkeeper. With Scholes openly questioning whether he can become a match-winning top-level stopper, Lammens’ saves, errors and consistency will now face even closer examination.
