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“I’m Not Schmeichel in Disguise”: Senne Lammens Embraces Pressure as Manchester United’s New No. 1

When Senne Lammens stepped onto the Old Trafford turf for the first time earlier this month, few would have predicted that a 23-year-old with just one full senior season behind him would become Manchester United’s newest symbol of calm in chaos.

The Belgian goalkeeper, signed from Royal Antwerp for £18.1 million on deadline day, has quickly transformed uncertainty into optimism. His early clean sheet against Sunderland was met with a roar of approval — and a cheeky chant comparing him to Peter Schmeichel, one of United’s immortal icons.

“I didn’t hear it during the game,” Lammens smiled in an exclusive interview with BBC Sport. “But I saw it afterwards. I’m not Schmeichel in disguise — I’m just Senne Lammens trying to help the team. It’s an amazing compliment, but you have to be realistic. He’s one of the best ever, and I still have a lot to prove.”

The weight of expectation around United’s goal has crushed more experienced men. Since David de Gea’s departure, the position has seen both André Onana and Altay Bayındır struggle to find consistency. Yet Lammens, unfazed by comparisons or scrutiny, seems to relish the challenge.

“People talk about pressure, but that’s part of playing for a club like this,” he said. “If there wasn’t pressure, something would be wrong. I’m not scared of it — I welcome it.”

Head coach Rúben Amorim admitted earlier this month that the “massive” attention on United goalkeepers is unlike anything he has experienced. He wanted World Cup winner Emiliano Martínez to bolster competition, but the club’s hierarchy stood firm, putting their faith in Lammens.

The Belgian’s maturity has stood out. In just a few appearances, he’s developed a confident rapport with centre-backs Harry Maguire and Matthijs de Ligt. “They told me I don’t need to be the most spectacular keeper — just someone they can trust,” he said. “It gives them confidence knowing someone is there to back them up.”

His calm communication and preference for realism over risk have influenced United’s tactical evolution. The team’s more direct play at Anfield, which led to a crucial win over Liverpool, reflected both Amorim’s plan and Lammens’ instincts. “Sometimes building from the back can hurt you more than it helps,” he explained. “If we can get the ball to our forwards quickly, that’s when we’re at our best.”

Lammens’ introduction hasn’t been flawless. Early misjudgments against Liverpool and Brighton were reminders of his age, but his resilience has earned supporters’ patience — and their belief.

“There was no fixed plan,” he said of his initial bench spell. “I struggled a bit in training at first, and the manager gave me time to adapt. When my chance came, I was ready. I couldn’t have imagined a better start.”

The goalkeeper, who first donned gloves because his brother needed someone to face his backyard shots, now dreams of joining United’s pantheon of greats. “I want a long career here,” he said. “Maybe one day, I can be mentioned alongside Schmeichel, Van der Sar, and De Gea. That would be really special.”

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