Senne Lammens is quickly becoming a cult hero at Manchester United. After a Man of the Match performance in the 1-0 victory over Everton, the Belgian shot-stopper has addressed the growing comparisons between himself and United legend Edwin van der Sar.
Lammens was instrumental at the Hill Dickinson Stadium, producing a string of vital saves and commanding his area despite what he described as “over the top” tactics from the opposition.
Surviving the Everton “Scrum”
Everton’s game plan clearly involved rattling the young keeper, with defenders constantly crowding him during set-pieces. Lammens admitted the physicality was on another level:
“Everton are a physical team; their defenders are massive,” Lammens told Sky Sports. “It’s a strength of mine dealing with crosses, but today it was a bit over the top! I had to stand behind the goal line just to have space to come out. Sometimes you can’t think about the players around you, or you’ll lose focus on the ball.”
Following in Van der Sar’s Footsteps
With his calm demeanor and exceptional reach, fans and pundits alike have begun likening Lammens to the legendary Edwin van der Sar. It’s a comparison the 23-year-old doesn’t take lightly.
“As a Manchester United goalkeeper, the pressure is huge,” Lammens admitted. “But I try to stay calm and play my own game. I know I have the qualities, otherwise, I wouldn’t be here. If I am being compared with Edwin van der Sar, it is always nice!”
The Carrick Effect
Lammens also credited interim boss Michael Carrick for the team’s improved defensive solidity. Since Carrick took over, United have looked far more organized, keeping clean sheets in crucial moments. “Since the manager has come in, we have been defending well together. We know if we keep it to zero, we have the players up top to make the difference.”
Senne Lammens vs. Everton: Match Summary
| Category | Performance Data |
| Clean Sheet | Confirmed |
| Save Percentage | 100% (5 Saves) |
| Manager Praise | “Bloody Brilliant” (David Moyes) |
| Comparison | Edwin van der Sar |
| Current Status | Undisputed No. 1 |
Thiago Nuno is a football editor and analyst covering European leagues, match statistics, and transfer market trends.
