Sir Alex Ferguson is blown away by United star’s “authority” in games, Amorim didn’t want him at the club – report

Sir Alex has been “hugely impressed” by Senne Lammens’ start to life in England and has even drawn a comparison with a legendary Manchester United goalkeeper, according to inside sources. A Bargain Buy Signed from Royal Antwerp for £18.2 million on deadline day in the summer, Lammens was the least high-profile of the four first-team recruits United brought to Old Trafford. Man United’s signings under INEOS – Ratings SigningsRating / 10 Leny Yoro9 Joshua Zirkzee4 Matthijs de Ligt8 Noussair Mazraoui8.5 Manuel Ugarte2 Ayden Heaven8 Patrick Dorgu5 Matheus Cunha8 Bryan Mbeumo9 Benjamin Sesko7 Senne Lammens10 However, the Belgium international has arguably been the best transfer in years, given how quickly he has solved the club’s persistent goalkeeping problem. While Bryan Mbeumo’s red-hot form in front of goal is more eye-catching, Lammens’ calm and collected approach between the sticks has settled a nervy defence and helped propel United into the Champions League places. Only Arsenal and Manchester City have picked up more points than the Red Devils since Lammens made his debut against Sunderland in October. The 23-year-old has offered a massive upgrade on Andre Onana, who was forced to join Turkish side Trabzonspor on loan after Lammens arrived, and Altay Bayindir. Both goalkeepers have produced a series of horrendous performances since being signed in the same summer window in 2023 – with Onana’s £47.2m capture from Inter Milan one of the worst deals in recent memory. It’s a testament to Lammens’ level-headed personality that he has not succumbed to the pressure of being United’s No. 1, widely considered one of the most difficult roles in all of football. Ironically, the Belgian was signed under the recently departed Ruben Amorim, despite the head coach actively pushing for the club to sign Emiliano Martinez from Aston Villa instead. The recruitment department did not listen to the Portuguese coach, however, instead trusting Tony Coton’s advice, as the scout had been singing Lammens’ praises for 18 months. Fergie is a fan GIVEMESPORT reveals Lammens has made such an impression at the Theatre of Dreams that Ferguson” target=”_blank”>Ferguson has compared his introduction to legendary Dutch goalkeeper Edwin van der Sar. Insiders at the club state the 84-year-old Scot has been blown away by the summer signing’s performances, remarking on the “same traits of calmness, authority and thriving on the big stage” that Van der Sar offered when he was bought from Fulham in 2005 for £2m. Under Sir Alex, United had struggled in the wake of Peter Schmeichel’s departure, with a series of replacements, including World Cup winner Fabian Barthez, failing to cut the mustard. However, Van der Sar arrived with a wealth of experience, despite being signed from Fulham, and immediately thrived in the high-pressure slot – as Lammens has done. The young goalkeeper is being nicknamed ‘Baby Courtois’ as a reference to his compatriot, Thibaut Courtois. There is expectation amongst the Belgian coaching staff that Lammens will be the country’s “long-term number one keeper”, however. This indicates the United star’s sky-high potential is being recognised at club and international level, though the seal of approval from the manager with the best talent ID in history is the greatest compliment a young player can receive. The Peoples Person has been one of the world’s leading Man United news sites for over a decade. Follow us on Bluesky: @peoplesperson.bsky.social Darragh Fox Darragh is an editor for The Peoples Person who spent three years learning about the Cold War at the University of Sheffield slowly realising football was by far the most interesting thing to write about. Amad’s first touch should be officially recognised as the eighth wonder of the world.