Van Bommel backs Man Utd goalkeeper Senne Lammens after derby pressure
Belgium manager Mark van Bommel has backed Manchester United goalkeeper Senne Lammens to handle growing pressure, praising the 24-year-old’s rapid adjustment to Old Trafford and his relationship with the defenders in front of him.
Lammens has faced fresh questions after United’s 1-0 derby defeat to Manchester City, but Van Bommel believes the Belgian’s temperament is a major strength. The Belgium boss said Lammens remains unchanged whatever the situation and has settled quickly following his move from Royal Antwerp, despite the greater scale of the club and stadium in Manchester.
From deadline-day arrival to United number one
- Lammens joined United from Royal Antwerp on transfer deadline day last summer in an £18.1m deal.
- He displaced Altay Bayindir and became first-choice goalkeeper under Ruben Amorim and Michael Carrick.
- During his first season, Lammens kept eight Premier League clean sheets in 32 appearances.
- His early displays earned major praise, with Owen Hargreaves naming him United’s signing of the campaign.
- A slow beginning to the present season has put the goalkeeper under heavier examination, particularly after the loss to City.
Scholes questions title-winning credentials
Paul Scholes believes United cannot mount a serious Premier League challenge without certainty over their goalkeeper. The former midfielder said the verdict on Lammens is still open and pointed to the elite keepers behind recent title contenders.
Scholes highlighted Liverpool’s Alisson, Arsenal’s David Raya and Manchester City’s goalkeepers, while also recalling Peter Schmeichel and Edwin van der Sar as key foundations of successful United sides. His view was that title-winning teams are built from a dependable goalkeeper outward.
Lammens unmoved by spotlight
Lammens has insisted that playing for United has not altered his personality. He said a goalkeeper must be confident and mentally robust when facing constant public opinion, while acknowledging that such scrutiny can be difficult for some players.
The Belgian also said he enjoys the demands of playing Premier League football and does not feel differently when moving between club matches and Nations League duty.
What happens next
United need greater defensive stability after their difficult start, and Lammens will be central to that response. He must now balance domestic fixtures with international commitments while attempting to reproduce the form that established him as United’s number one last season.
