Manchester United's £18.2m Risk on Untried Goalkeeper Senne Lammens

Strategic Insights -

Manchester United's decision to sign Belgian goalkeeper Senne Lammens for £18.2 million has been met with skepticism by former goalkeeper Ben Foster, who believes it's a "ridiculous" risk for manager Ruben Amorim to start him straight away in the Premier League. Lammens, 23, has only played 60 first-team games in his career, and Foster warns that adapting to Manchester United's pace and the top flight would be a significant challenge. However, Real Madrid and Belgium star Thibaut Courtois has praised Lammens as a "huge talent" and believes his style would be well-suited to the Premier League.

Key Takeaways:

  • Former Manchester United and Wrexham goalkeeper Ben Foster has warned that starting Senne Lammens in goal would be a big risk due to his limited experience, having played only 60 first-team games in his career.
  • Lammens has only played for Royal Antwerp in the Belgian top flight, where he let in 32 goals across 30 appearances and registered 7 clean sheets last term.
  • Former United and Wrexham goalkeeper Ben Foster believes it's unclear whether Amorim will use Lammens as the starting goalkeeper, especially after Altay Bayindir began the season as the first-choice shot-stopper.
  • Real Madrid and Belgium star Thibaut Courtois has praised Lammens as a "huge talent" and believes his style would be well-suited to the Premier League.
  • Ex-United goalkeeper Ben Foster thinks the move is "sticking a plaster on it" and wouldn't expect any Premier League team to sign a goalkeeper from the Belgian league who's never played for the national team.
  • Senne Lammens was signed for £18.2 million plus add-ons from Royal Antwerp on transfer deadline day.

Statistics:

  • Lammens has played 60 first-team games in his career.
  • Lammens let in 32 goals across 30 appearances in the Belgian top flight last term.
  • Lammens registered 7 clean sheets in the Belgian top flight last term.
  • Lammens made 173 saves throughout the campaign.
  • The transfer fee for Senne Lammens is £18.2 million plus add-ons.

Sources:

  • Ben Foster interview with Fozcast podcast.
  • Manchester United via Getty Images.
  • Thibaut Courtois interview via Rio Ferdinand's YouTube channel.