Lammens finally got to make his long-awaited debut for the Red Devils as he was placed in the starting lineup by Amorim for their Premier League clash at Old Trafford against Sunderland on Saturday. The Belgian goalkeeper passed the test with flying colours as United kept a clean sheet while beating the Black Cats. Amorim had earlier explained that in a bid to rotate his squad, Bayindir was rested for the Premier League clash.
Watching Lammens keep the club’s first clean sheet of the season encouraged the Old Trafford faithful to come up with a new chant for the Belgian as the fans at the Stretford End were heard singing a rendition of “are you Schmeichel in disguise”?
While comparing a debutant to one of the greatest United goalkeepers of all time might be an exaggeration but the fans are elated that the club finally seem to have a steady custodian after some nightmare performances by Bayindir and Onana’s forgettable two seasons at the club.
Speaking to reporters after the match, Amorim spoke about Lammens’ performances, as he said: “First of all, when Senne arrived here, Altay was playing. Then you could feel it, he needed to adapt. It was a new country, new training. The pressure you guys [the media] put on the goalkeeper is massive, so it was a little preparation for him to be ready to start his first game. But it is just one game and he needs to work. He needs to be prepared [because] in our club things are really hard. He did well and was comfortable during the game. That’s a really good sign.”
United desperately needed a win to ease the pressure that was mounting on the club as well as the manager, whose position came under intense scrutiny after a poor start to the new season. However, the former Sporting CP boss is confident that his players have full faith in him, while claiming they don’t want a regime change. Even attacking midfielder Mason Mount heaped praise on the United boss after scoring against Sunderland. The Red Devils are back in action after the international break against Liverpool.
