Manchester United Find a Gem in Senne Lammens
Manchester United’s long search for stability in goal may have found its answer in Senne Lammens, a 23-year-old Belgian shot-stopper who arrives from Royal Antwerp with numbers that have stunned analysts across Europe.
In the 2024/25 Belgian Pro League, Lammens registered a jaw-dropping 173 saves, the highest tally in any of Europe’s top 10 leagues since detailed Opta data began. For context, the next best goalkeeper, Dutchman Mark Flekken (then at Brentford, now Bayer Leverkusen), recorded 153 saves.
This unmatched consistency made Lammens one of the standout performers in European football, and Manchester United swooped in late during the transfer window to secure his services.
“Last season was everything coming together. The stats reflect the hard work I’ve put in throughout my life,” Lammens said upon signing. “I was very proud to show myself to the outside world.”
A Keeper Built on Reflexes and Reliability
It wasn’t just the volume of saves that impressed scouts. Lammens also boasted a 77.4% save percentage, ranking him joint-fourth across Europe’s major divisions. Only Davy Roef (Gent), Colin Coosemans (Anderlecht), and Dominik Holec (Banik Ostrava) posted better records.
United’s head coach Ruben Amorim described Lammens as a long-term investment:
“We are really pleased with him. He’s a goalkeeper with great potential, someone who gives us another option right now but also has the qualities to be our number one for many years.”
MOST SAVES IN TOP 10-LEAGUES 2024/25
1. Senne Lammens (Royal Antwerp) – 173
2. Mark Flekken (Brentford) – 153
3. Joan Garcia (Espanyol) – 146
4. Colin Coosemans (Anderlecht) – 138
5. Yahia Fofana (Angers) – 136
6. Ortwin De Wolf (Mechelen) – 135
6. Yehvann Diouf (Reims) – 135
6. Gautier Larsonneur (Saint-Etienne) – 135
6. Vanja Milinkovic-Savic (Torino) – 135
10. Sergio Herrera (Osasuna) – 132
Following in Legendary Footsteps
Lammens may not have to wait long for his chance. With Altay Bayindir expected to start in the Manchester derby, there remains a possibility that the Belgian could make his debut in one of the most iconic fixtures in world football. If so, he would join a select list of United legends who debuted in the derby, following the path of Patrice Evra and others.
United’s goalkeeping department has been under scrutiny ever since David de Gea’s departure in 2023. His successor, Andre Onana, struggled at Old Trafford before being loaned to Trabzonspor this summer. Bayindir, though solid, has yet to fully convince supporters.
The signing of Lammens signals a new direction. Fabrizio Romano even reported that United view him as both the “present and future” of the position — opting for his youth and potential over a move for the experienced Emiliano Martínez.
United in Numbers: Why Lammens Matters
- 173 saves in 2024/25 – most in Europe’s top 10 leagues.
- 77.4% save percentage – joint fourth-best among keepers with 50+ saves.
- Age 23 – significant room to grow and adapt to Premier League intensity.
- Clutch performer – singlehandedly kept Antwerp in games, propelling them to a fifth-place finish.
Looking Ahead
Manchester United’s success this season could hinge on whether they’ve finally solved their long-standing goalkeeping dilemma. While Bayindir is likely to hold the gloves for now, Senne Lammens is waiting in the wings, backed by record-breaking stats and a determination to prove himself at the very highest level.
One thing is certain: when his debut comes, the Belgian will be under the brightest lights imaginable — and if history is any guide, it may just be the start of a legendary Old Trafford story.
