Despite Rúben Amorim’s departure, one former Manchester United star has praised the head coach for one risk he took in the summer that has seriously paid off.
Former Manchester United manager Ruben Amorim left the club at the beginning of January. Since his departure, he’s faced his fair share of criticism regarding his handling of the club; however, goalkeeping legend Peter Schmeichel has shown his respect to Amorim over one of his summer signings.
Amorim had to find a new goalkeeper last summer after Andre Onana’s performance for the Reds was not up to standards, with fans growing very tired of the keeper’s poor play and mistakes.
He was left choosing between United’s current first-choice keeper, Senne Lammens or Aston Villa’s Emiliano Martinez. Whilst Martinez has been excellent for Villa this season, Schmeichel remains clear that Lammens was the right choice for his former team, and is grateful that Amorim took the risk.
Although Lammens had made a name for himself at Royal Antwerp, it was seen as a huge gamble to sign a keeper with Premier League experience, given the Belgian Pro League’s almost incomparable football standard.
However, the 23-year-old has shown that the right decision was made on deadline day. Lammens appears to be settling into life at Old Trafford well. He’s a reliable presence to have in the net, and while he has flaws, the youngster has drastically improved the United backline since his arrival.
Schmeichel praises Lammens transfer
Peter Schmeichel is one of United’s greats, with his opinion highly regarded in the footballing world, so his stance on Lammens is not taken lightly.
When speaking to Manchester World, the Dane was questioned on his verdict on Senne Lammens and whether he was surprised by his debut season for the club.
“I was a bit surprised he [Senne Lammens] was the one they went for, rather than [Emiliano] Martínez – which I now believe was Ruben Amorim’s choice,” he said.
“But to be fair, they’ve got this one right. He’s done well. It’s not easy being a Manchester United goalkeeper – especially at a time when the team isn’t playing well.
“There’s inconsistency in who’s available and who isn’t, young defenders who need support behind them and in front of them, and then of course, you’re taking over from a goalkeeper who didn’t have the best press, where the story around him was never positive.
With all of that, the spotlight is going to be on you. And I’ve been the same as everyone else – watching closely: is he making mistakes? Is he involved in goals conceded? How does he react?
“Honestly, he’s handled it well for a young lad. He’s calm, composed, and he’s doing exactly what you want your goalkeeper to do.”
Is it Lammens time?
Schmeichel continued his praise of the goalkeeper, arguing that He hasn’t done anything silly or reckless. There was one game – I can’t remember which – where he came rushing out of goal and was a bit lucky not to get a red card. It was his second or third match. But apart from that, he hasn’t been rash at all.
So yes, I’ve been really impressed with how he’s come into the team. And if he carries on like this, he looks like he’s going to be a very good signing.”
Despite United’s rocky campaign so far, Lammens has kept three clean sheets in his 16 Premier League appearances and has been vital in keeping United’s backline in form.
Michael Carrick is now in charge as interim manager for the remainder of the season. Hopefully, Lammens will continue to impress, with one of the three clean sheets he’s kept in the Premier League coming in Carrick’s first game in the dugout.
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