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Manchester United Bet on Lammens’ Potential Over Martinez for ‘Project 150’

Manchester United’s summer business has once again underlined the long-term vision set out by chief executive Omar Berrada under the banner of “Project 150.” With the 150th anniversary of the club looming in 2028, United have committed £18.1 million to Belgian goalkeeper Senne Lammens, opting against a late move for Argentina’s World Cup winner Emiliano Martinez.

The choice speaks to strategy over short-term security. Martinez, 32, has the résumé and the personality to thrive in the Premier League spotlight, but his six errors leading to shots last season were more than those of United’s Andre Onana. Lammens, at 23, is still raw but offers both longevity and promise. By 2028, he will be 26 and entering his prime; Martinez will be 35.

Standing at 6ft 4in, Lammens brings a commanding presence between the posts. His numbers impress: 173 saves in Europe’s top 10 leagues last season — the highest of any goalkeeper — and an 80% save percentage. He also ranked second only to Anderlecht’s Colin Coosemans in goals prevented. His style is rooted in sharp reflexes and proactive positioning. In one-on-one scenarios, he advances to narrow angles and spreads wide to smother chances, though this approach can leave him exposed against quick releases.

Lammens’ aerial game is a double-edged sword. He boasts the best crosses stopped percentage in Europe over the past year (13.2%) but occasionally overcommits at corners, leading to scrambles. His eagerness, while commendable, will need refinement under Ruben Amorim’s guidance.

With the ball at his feet, Lammens remains somewhat untested. Belgian sides do not press with the same intensity as Premier League opponents, and while his short passing is steady, under pressure he tends to play long into general areas rather than precise targets. Even so, he led Europe’s under-23 goalkeepers in progressive passes last season, a sign of adaptability.

The decision was also data-driven. United’s revamped analytics department, strongly supported by minority owner Sir Jim Ratcliffe, flagged Lammens for his reliability in key metrics such as shot stopping, limiting rebounds, and avoiding costly mistakes. Endorsements from Thibaut Courtois and Simon Mignolet only reinforced his credentials.

There is risk attached, not least because United’s shock EFL Cup exit means there will be no gentle introduction for their new man. A baptism of fire could come as soon as 14 September in the Manchester derby at the Etihad Stadium. Yet in the context of Project 150, United believe Lammens is not merely a goalkeeper for today, but a cornerstone for their 2028 vision.

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