Last summer, Manchester United completely overhauled their attack. Antony, Alejandro Garnacho, Jadon Sancho, Rasmus Højlund and Marcus Rashford all departed, while around £207 million was splurged to recruit Benjamin Šeško, Bryan Mbeumo and Matheus Cunha. All three combined to create the only goal as Michael Carrick's team beat Everton 1-0 at Bramley-Moore Dock on Monday night, finished off by the Slovenian. However, it was the new addition at the other end of the pitch, namely Senne Lammens, who caught the eye most on Merseyside.
In that game, the Toffees had an onslaught of corners, ten to be exact, as well as putting in a whopping 35 crosses, many of which were repelled by the Belgian goalkeeper.
Senne Lammens statistics vs Everton
Statistics | Senne Lammens |
|---|---|
Total saves | 4 |
Goals prevented | 0.87 |
Punches | 4 |
High claims | 2 |
Note: Stats via SofaScore.
The highlight of Lammens' evening at Hill Dickinson Stadium was a spectacular save to deny Michael Keane what would've been a long-range screamer. What was most impressive though was how commanding the 23 year old was from crosses into the box, the complete antithesis of what supporters had become accustomed to during two seasons of André Onana and Altay Bayındır. However, this was far from a one off.
Senne Lammens' continued impressive form
When Lammens joined the Red Devils from Royal Antwerp for a reported fee of £18.1 million on deadline day, many had reservations. He had made just 70 senior appearances in his native Belgium.
The club had also explored a move for Aston Villa shot-stopper Emi Martínez, with many believing that the more experienced option would have been the right way to go, but Lammens has certainly proved his worth.
Senne Lammens Premier League statistics 2025/26
Statistics | Lammens | PL rank |
|---|---|---|
Minutes | 1,890 | 15th |
Goals conceded | 26 | 16th |
Goals conceded per 90 | 1.24 | 9th |
Shots on target faced | 72 | 16th |
Saves | 48 | 16th |
Save % | 66.7% | 13th |
Clean sheets | 5 | 14th |
Clean sheet % | 23.8% | 12th |
Punches | 12 | 14th |
High claims | 18 | 10th |
Errors leading to a shot | Zero | 20th |
Errors leading to a goal | Zero | 18th |
Average rating | 6.92 | 11th |
Note: Stats via FBref & SofaScore.
None of Lammens' statistics leap off the page but, despite limited minutes caused by his late arrival, he does rank pretty highly when it comes to high claims and save percentage. He also leads the league when it comes to expected goals prevented on a per-90 basis, up at around 0.2 per match, which is worth highlighting.
The youngster has brought a calmness, presence and an assurance to a Man United backline that had been bereft of this ever since David de Gea was in his pomp. Speaking to Sky Sports about Everton's corners, this is what he had to say on Monday:
"It was a bit over the top for me, personally. I couldn’t even be inside the goal. I had to be behind the line to come out. That’s too much, but it’s difficult for the referees to see it."Senne Lammens
Also speaking afterwards, his manager Carrick described Lammens as "exemplary", while Blues boss David Moyes labelled him "bloody brilliant". So, while Šeško, Mbeumo and Cunha have all played their part in Man United's revival, they surely would not have been able to collect 16 points from their last six matches had Onana or Bayındır remained between the sticks. The Red Devils don't often get it right in the transfer market, but the £18 million paid to Antwerp appears a genuine bargain.