Hero Lammens: MU's Most Important New Signing is a Goalkeeper

VictoryVox

26/02/2026 17:05:01 VictoryVox

The current Premier League campaign has seen set-pieces from corners grow more disorderly, marked by pushing, obstruction, and grappling within the box. Against this backdrop, aerial defense isn't just a task for the backline; it requires a goalkeeper brave enough to dominate his area.

Against Everton, Senne Lammens executed this duty almost flawlessly. The home team took 10 corners compared to just 1 from MU. They delivered 35 crosses, nearly six times more than the 6 from the visitors. However, Everton only successfully connected with 5 of those deliveries. Lammens caught the ball cleanly twice and punched it clear from danger on four other occasions amidst a crowd of players from both teams.

As the match progressed and Everton poured forward in search of an equalizer, the pressure intensified. Balls were continuously lofted into the six-yard box, an area where goalkeepers are often easily pushed back or have their view obstructed. Lammens admitted post-match that he even had to start from behind his line to get a running start, because the density of contact in the penalty area was "excessive." Nevertheless, despite the pushing and shoving, he consistently chose the correct position, came out decisively, and dealt with the ball cleanly.

This proactive approach completely neutralized Everton's aerial threat.

If one only looks at spectacular saves, the moment Lammens flew to parry Michael Keane's long-range shot in the 83rd minute might be the most impressive. However, the Belgian goalkeeper's greatest value lies in things that seem routine.

Lammens demonstrated complete command of his penalty area in the victory over Everton.

He securely caught James Garner's free-kick late in the first half instead of parrying it and risking a rebound chance. He cleanly gathered Tyrique George's late shot in stoppage time rather than pushing the ball out for a corner. Advanced metrics further underscore Lammens' importance. He leads the Premier League in goals prevented per 90 minutes, at approximately 0.2 goals per game. Specifically against Everton, this figure rose to 0.86. Under manager Carrick, Lammens has kept 3 clean sheets in 6 matches, compared to just 2 in the 16 games prior.

Notably, Lammens had only one standout season in Belgium before joining MU. His rapid adaptation to one of world football's most demanding environments highlights the astute vision of the recruitment department, particularly the role of goalkeeping specialist Tony Coton, who supported this deal from the outset.

Last summer, MU also signed Matheus Cunha, Bryan Mbeumo, and Benjamin Sesko - a trio who combined for the decisive goal against Everton. All are having positive debut seasons. But if one had to choose the player providing the most consistent impact match after match, Lammens stands out the most.

While attackers can experience games of brilliance or quiet anonymity, the goalkeeper's role demands near-absolute consistency. One small mistake can cost two points. One uncertain piece of handling can reverse the momentum of a game. Against Everton, amidst the chaos of relentless aerial deliveries, Lammens "didn't put a foot wrong," in both the literal and figurative sense.

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