Diogo Dalot: Why Man United players aren’t surprised by Senne Lammens’ form | OneFootball

Many point to Bryan Mbeumo, yet Senne Lammens is arguably Manchester United’s standout signing of the summer of 2026. It is almost criminal that Lammens’ impact on the Red Devils has slipped under the radar so quietly.

Before his arrival, United’s goalkeeping department was in utter disarray.

Andre Onana failed spectacularly to fill David De Gea’s shoes, enduring a torrid two seasons as United’s number one. Meanwhile, Altay Bayindir had the chance to stake his claim but proved no better; the Turkish international struggled just as much.

Consequently, the two goalkeepers’ shortcomings left INEOS with little choice but to prioritise a top-class keeper signing last summer.

In pursuit of stability between the sticks, the 20-time English champions secured Lammens from Royal Antwerp in an £18.2 million deal.

Following the Belgian’s arrival, Onana was shipped out on a season-long loan to Trabzonspor, Bayindir stayed and was initially preferred as Lammens was being eased into the rigours of English football.

Growing into the role

Lammens began his United career on the bench, watching from the sidelines for his first three matchdays. Yet once handed his chance in the fourth, there was no turning back.

Dubbed “Baby Courtois,” he has since made the number one jersey his own. His superior shot-stopping has been a breath of fresh air for United.

Since his debut in the 3–0 win over Sunderland, he has started 21 league games, with United losing only twice. His brilliant saves, such as those against Everton, have repeatedly kept United in contests.

Dalot lauds “chilled” Lammens

United are undeniably stronger with him in goal, and Diogo Dalot highlighted this on Sky Sports, praising the Belgian’s influence.

“Straight away, we could see the type of profile he is as a person, which helps,” Dalot admitted.

“To be a Manchester United goalkeeper, you need balance, because you can go high really quick and get low really quick. But you could see he’s chilled and doesn’t get carried away.”

Dalot went on to stress the respect Lammens already commands:

“We’re really happy with his performances, but it’s not surprising because we see him every day. I’m glad people are now seeing what we saw as soon as he came.

“It’s bringing us to another level because we need people like this—those who understand daily work is essential. He knows he’s in one of the hardest positions in football, and being a United goalkeeper isn’t easy. He needs our help, but ultimately it must come from him, and I think he has it.”

As brilliant as Lammens has been, it is fascinating to imagine how much better he could become as he continues his development at M16.

A capable deputy still needed

That said, United’s goalkeeping department is not yet “secured”. Bayindir is expected to leave for Besiktas in the summer, while Onana is also set to be offloaded.

A capable deputy will therefore be needed. Who that is is a mystery, though Radek Vitek, impressing away on loan at Bristol City, has been tipped to come back and challenge Lammens for the number one shirt.

Feature image Michael Regan via Getty Images

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