Belgium international dismisses fan comparisons to Peter Schmeichel
Senne Lammens is not daunted by the pressure that comes with being Manchester United’s new No 1, according to the youngster.
The 23-year-old Belgian arrived at Old Trafford in the summer with limited top-flight experience but has quickly established himself as United’s starting goalkeeper. It has restored some calmness to what was a high-wire position both last term and in the first six league games of the season.
Head coach Ruben Amorim has previously spoken about the pressure that comes with being a United player, calling it one of the hardest roles in world football due to the scrutiny placed on the club.
Lammens is well aware of that, according to the young goalkeeper.
“Of course, you hear from other people there is a lot of pressure coming here and playing for this team,” said the Belgian. “But I welcome that. Firstly, it is nice you can play for such a big team. There should be a lot of pressure – I’m not really scared of it.”
Lammens was thrust into the spotlight when two before him had failed. Altay Bayindir put in shaky performances after replacing Andre Onana in league matches, particularly during set-pieces. Onana himself showed just why he had been dropped in a poor performance that led to United getting knocked out of the Carabao Cup by League Two side Grimsby Town.
But Lammens immediately impressed in his first game for the club against Sunderland, with the club keeping their first clean sheet of the season. The youngster was soon serenaded with chants of “Are you Schmeichel in disguise?” soon followed, in reference to club legend Peter Schmeichel.
Regarding the chant, Lammens said. “I don’t listen to it too much during the game but I saw it afterwards. I’m not Schmeichel in disguise. I am just Senne Lammens trying to help the team.
“It is an amazing compliment to get but you have to be realistic. He is one of the best goalkeepers ever. I have to prove a lot more to be in the same conversation as him.”
The Belgium international had only had one full senior season in Belgium before joining United, and he has praised his teammates for helping him adjust after taking such a big step.
“They told me I don’t need to be the most amazing or special goalkeeper, just to be there in important moments to give the team trust,” said Lammens. “It makes them more relaxed knowing someone is behind them who can help them.”
