Belgian media make same Man Utd point after Senne Lammens' debut - 'from a distance'

Senne Lammens kicked off his Manchester United career with a victory and a clean sheet, earning widespread praise from Belgian media outlets back home. Lammens made the switch to United from Royal Antwerp on transfer deadline day but had to bide his time for his debut whilst Ruben Amorim persisted with Altay Bayindir between the sticks.

The young goalkeeper finally got his chance on Saturday, with Amorim giving him the nod against Sunderland. Everything went to plan for the 23-year-old, as strikes from Mason Mount and Benjamin Sesko secured United all three points and lifted some heat off their under-pressure boss.

United's triumph came at a crucial moment for Amorim, amid whispers that his position could be under threat following a defeat. Following the result, he heaped praise on Lammens whilst also commending the squad's collective effort.

"We didn't play well all the game, but we had our moments and we defended well," Amorim said. "I think Senne did a great job and gave us confidence. It was a good day, not a perfect day, but to win like this with a clean sheet is important for our team.

"We need to understand that we need everyone to be ready to play. It's a long season, we have a lot of problems, anything can happen. The important thing is that the teammates helped Lammens a lot to have a very good performance."

READ MORE: Senne Lammens moment in Man Utd win speaks volumes as Ruben Amorim gets timely boost

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Whilst Lammens will undoubtedly encounter stiffer challenges than Sunderland this campaign, potentially beginning with his next outing, he still garnered acclaim from the Belgian press. Here's a selection of their comments.

'Barely challenged'

"Against Sunderland, the scenario was perfect for Lammens," Sporza's verdict began. "He was barely challenged in the first half and took no risks in possession. It was striking how he constantly connected with his backline and made adjustments. Sober, precise and controlling. Old Trafford appreciated this and gave Lammens plenty of opportunities at times."

The same publication highlighted his brilliant stop from a long-range Granit Xhaka strike, plus the fortunate moment when Bertrand Traore was cautioned for simulation after it briefly appeared Lammens might have given away a penalty kick. "If Ruben Amorim still had any doubts about who would be the first choice goalkeeper, Lammens has more than left his mark today," Sporza added.

'Will likely be tested more'

Another Belgian outlet, HLN, emphasised Amorim's commendation of Lammens whilst noting the shot-stopper observed much of the opening period 'from a distance'. They wrote: "Just over a month after his arrival and after three matches on the bench, Lammens finally made his debut for Manchester United.

"The goalkeeper thus became the seventh Belgian to feature for the Red Devils. Marouane Fellaini, Romelu Lukaku, Adnan Januzaj, Ritchie De Laet, Marnick Vermijl and Largie Ramazani preceded him.

"Lammens had to prove himself once in the first half. The former Antwerp goalkeeper made a good save on a powerful shot from Xhaka. His play on the ball at his feet and on high balls was also flawless. From a distance, our compatriot saw Manchester United dominate."

The report went on to suggest his upcoming fixture might prove far more challenging. "All in all, Lammens can look back with satisfaction on his debut in the Manchester United shirt," it continued.

"His first clean sheet is a fact. This debut will leave him wanting more. His next assignment? The top-flight match at Anfield against Liverpool on Sunday, October 19th. Lammens will likely be tested more then."

'Virtually unemployed'

Nieuwsblad's Brian Dewulf highlighted United supporters' reaction to the outstanding debut. "Just before half-time, Senne Lammens finally got the chance to show his true colours," he wrote.

"Granit Xhaka had the first attempt for Sunderland, but Lammens saw the long-range shot come from far out and made a good save. There was applause in Old Trafford. The Belgian goalkeeper remained virtually unemployed in the second half, though it was a bit of a shock after an hour of play. Bruno Fernandes gave his keeper the runaround with a long ball, causing the pair to collide. Sunderland winger Traoré lurked and nearly capitalised, but also went down in the action.

"Ultimately, Man United were given the foul, allowing Lammens and his teammates to breathe a sigh of relief. He was applauded again in the final seconds for his second save of the evening, but Lammens was never given another opportunity.

"It was certainly a successful debut for the Belgian goalkeeper. Manchester United secured only their third Premier League victory and the young Belgian also secured their first clean sheet of the season for the Mancunians.

"Has the train departed? During the match, the home fans were already singing loudly for the goalkeeper: "Are you Schmeichel in disguise?" fans wondered aloud if Lammens wasn't just the former Danish legend of Man U."

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