Just before the October international break, Senne Lammens got his chance between the sticks, and oh boy, did he impress.
Lammens was asked to do the basics against a Sunderland side enjoying the best start to a league campaign by any promoted team since 2013, and he executed them with ease.
While his saves struck most, three from three shots faced, it was his commanding presence that really stood out.
With calmness and composure, he gave United’s defence the assurance they had been missing, confidently plucking everything out of the air.
A stark contrast to the shaky goalkeeping United fans have had to endure.
While it remains unclear whether he will start against Liverpool at Anfield when United return to action this weekend, surely many would wonder why he would not.
Watching him dazzle against Sunderland, keep a clean sheet, and walk away with man of the match honours, it would be baffling to see him benched for Altay Bayindir.
Bayindir, who not only holds one of the worst save rates among keepers who started the first six league games, but has already shipped 11 goals.
Vote of Confidence
Lammens earned his shot in goal; his brilliance in training had already been well highlighted.
But he needs the chance to show what he is all about with a consistent run, starting against Liverpool. Or at least, that is what his national team mentor Thibaut Courtois believes.
“The first game was a flavour of what United will get,” Real Madrid goalkeeper Courtois told the Irish Mirror.
“He’s a tall guy, he’s not afraid to come for crosses, and he’s a kid with personality.
“I’m sure he can do a good job. He has a tough game this weekend, so I hope if he plays it goes well for him. All the best to him.”
If United want to leave Merseyside with something, they cannot afford to go there leaking goals, and it is clear which keeper has been doing that.
Against Sunderland, Lammens showed he means business. He deserves to start.
Perfect stage to announce himself
As highly regarded as Lammens is at Carrington, with Ruben Amorim seeing him as Courtois 2.0, he will only reach his ceiling if tested against the best.
Should the young keeper impress against the Reds, there may be no looking back. Such a game could announce him to the world, laying the perfect foundation for a promising United career.
Featured image Carl Recine via Getty Images
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Daniel Onguko
Dan is a writer with The Peoples Person, an avid Manchester United fan whose passion for the Red Devils evolved into writing about them. He was introduced to United back in 2008, and his love for the club has continued to grow ever since. Like every other United fan, he believes the club will soon return to its rightful place and strives to reflect that belief in his writing. While he has also written about other Premier League sides, including Arsenal for Just Arsenal and The Arsenal Analysis Blogspot, Dan lives and breathes Manchester United.
