Manchester United's season has been turbulent under Ruben Amorim, but amidst the uncertainty, an unexpected figure is emerging as a key component of the manager's plans: Senne Lammens. Meanwhile, the situation highlights potential shortcomings in Manchester United's recruitment strategy.
Lammens, the debutant goalkeeper, recently secured a clean sheet in United's 2-0 victory against Sunderland. Amorim has praised Lammens's confident performance. "Senne did a great job, gave us confidence," Amorim said. "It was a good day, not a perfect day, but to win like this, clean sheet, is important for our team". He also noted the importance of Lammens's teammates in helping him achieve a good performance, emphasizing the collective focus and minimized errors.
The 21-year-old's rise to the first team is noteworthy, especially considering the circumstances surrounding Manchester United's goalkeeping situation. Altay Bayindir, who started the season as the first-choice goalkeeper, has conceded 11 goals in six Premier League appearances, leading to scrutiny of the position. Amorim had reportedly identified the goalkeeping position as a key area to strengthen, even after Lammens's arrival. It was even reported that Amorim wanted to launch a fresh move for Aston Villa goalkeeper Emiliano Martinez.
Lammens's opportunity underscores a potential flaw in Manchester United's recruitment process. While the club has invested in several goalkeepers, including Lammens and Bayindir, Amorim's reported interest in Martinez suggests that the клуб may still be searching for a truly top-tier option. This raises questions about the clarity of the клуб's scouting and assessment processes, and whether the identified targets align with the manager's specific requirements.
Beyond the goalkeeping situation, there are reports of unrest within the squad, with midfielder Kobbie Mainoo supposedly issuing an ultimatum: either Amorim is dismissed, or he will seek a transfer. This alleged discontent, whether accurate, points to a potential disconnect between the manager's vision and the players' expectations, exacerbating the challenges faced by the club.
Despite the external pressures and internal challenges, Amorim maintains that he has the backing of the Manchester United players. He also recognizes the need for improvement, particularly in maintaining consistent performance levels both at home and away. "The frustration is not to see the same team at home and away," Amorim said.
Looking ahead, Manchester United faces a challenging fixture against Premier League champions Liverpool after the international break. Amorim recognizes the importance of building confidence within the team and is focused on securing positive results. "The most important thing is to win games," Amorim said. "That will give confidence for everybody in the team".
The emergence of Lammens as a key player highlights Amorim's adaptability and willingness to give opportunities to younger talents. However, it also underscores the need for Manchester United to refine their recruitment strategy, ensuring that future signings align with the manager's vision and strengthen the squad in a targeted and effective manner. Only time will tell if Lammens can solidify his place as Manchester United's long-term solution in goal, but his rise serves as a reminder that sometimes the most impactful solutions come from unexpected places.
