Ruben Amorim handed Senne Lammens his Manchester United debut on Saturday as they welcomed Sunderland to Old Trafford – and it didn’t take him long to make an impression.
Senne Lammens Shines on Manchester United Debut Against Sunderland
Deadline-day arrival Senne Lammens was handed his first start for Manchester United against Sunderland, preferred over Altay Bayindir by under-pressure manager Ruben Amorim, who justified his selection before kick-off.
“It’s rotation. Everyone needs to be ready to play,” Amorim explained. “We have to win every game, and each opponent requires different qualities. We pick the best fit for each match.”
Lammens’ inclusion was hardly a shock. Since his £18.2 million move from Royal Antwerp, the Belgian has been praised for his composure in training and his strong fundamentals.
Veteran goalkeeper Tom Heaton recently highlighted his impact:
“He’s got a big personality and his basics are very strong. After just a couple of days I told him how impressive he looked. He’s settled in really well.”
The 22-year-old arrives with a strong reputation, having kept seven clean sheets in 30 Belgian Pro League games last season, where he led the division with 173 saves and a 77.4% save rate.
On Saturday, he showcased the same qualities—calm in possession, sharp reflexes, and precise distribution—catching the eye of United supporters.
Fans were quick to praise him online. One wrote:
- “Senne Lammens is changing our lives already and it’s only been 45 minutes.”
Another added: - “Don’t think I’m not noticing those long passes to Šeško and Mbeumo. You’ve got my attention.”
And a third commented: - “Best first half at Old Trafford in ages. Lammens looks like he could be a top keeper—commands his box brilliantly.”
United fans may only be seeing the early signs, but Lammens’ debut performance has already sparked optimism that he could become a key figure at Old Trafford.
A fourth supporter remarked: “Finally, a goalkeeper who comes out and claims crosses. Lammens might just change everything for us.” Meanwhile, another fan echoed the sentiment: “Really pleased with Lammens. Not saying he’s world class yet, but you can see the calmness and stability he brings to the side.”
United, who have endured a turbulent start to the 2025/26 season, looked far more assured against Regis Le Bris’s Sunderland. Early goals from Mason Mount and Benjamin Šeško put Amorim’s men 2-0 ahead inside the opening half-hour, allowing them to control the contest for long stretches.
