‘I think I am the number one’: Utd star makes confident declaration that he’s succeeded ‘world-class’ counterpart

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Utd Report

·3 October 2026

‘I think I am the number one’: Utd star makes confident declaration that he’s succeeded ‘world-class’ counterpart

Senne Lammens believes he has established himself as Belgium’s new No.1 goalkeeper this international break.

Despite being fit and available, Thibaut Courtois opted against representing his nation this time around, instead prioritising Real Madrid’s upcoming fixtures.

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How has Lammens fared since being promoted?

(Photo by Jurij Kodrun/Getty Images)

Courtois’ absence has paved the way for Lammens to stake his claim, as well as to make amends for his World Cup quarter-final error, which saw him come under fire for parrying the ball into Mikel Merino’s path for Spain’s winner.

MIKEL MERINO GIVES SPAIN THE LEAD! It's a costly mistake from Senne Lammens who replaced the injured Thibaut Courtois 😬
– Friday, 10 July 2026

The 24-year-old oversaw a particularly eye-catching display against France on Monday; despite Belgium falling to a 1-0 defeat against the 2018 world champions, Lammens recorded five saves, three of which came from inside the box, and nine recoveries.

He has endured a turbulent run at club level, however, amidst Manchester United’s rocky start to the campaign.

In his five Premier League appearances thus far, the Club Brugge graduate has already conceded eight goals and has yet to keep a clean sheet.

Lammens reacts after filling in for Courtois

(Photo by Carl Recine/Carl Recine/Getty Images)

Michael Carrick will be hoping his shot-stopper can use his recent international performances as confidence builders before United return to action against Tottenham Hotspur next Saturday.

Lammens’ complete record across all competitions for United

Weighing in on his new role and his ‘world-class’ senior counterpart missing out, Lammens said (as relayed by Manchester Evening News): “We haven’t talked about it [Courtois] much. I think it is important to focus on the current matches and the players who are here.

“I think I am the number one now. It is important that I perform well and am ready immediately. I cannot control what the future holds. But I can control my performances.”