Speaking after Manchester United’s 1-0 win over Newcastle, Rio Ferdinand believes that his former side has finally found a long-term solution to a position that has been a problem at the club for a number of years.
Manchester United secured a narrow 1–0 victory over Newcastle United on Boxing Day, with Patrick Chinazaekpere Dorgu’s well-taken volley proving the difference.
United began on the front foot, though Eddie Howe’s tactical adjustments allowed Newcastle to settle and grow into the contest. The breakthrough came just before the 25th minute, when Dorgu struck to hand the hosts a vital lead.
Rúben Amorim’s side remained composed and in control for the remainder of the first half. Shortly after the restart, Amorim was forced into an early change, with Jack Fletcher replacing the injured Mason Mount.
Newcastle enjoyed the bulk of possession in the second half but were unable to find a way through a resilient United defence. Impressive performances from Ayden Heaven, Senne Lammens and Dorgu ensured the clean sheet was maintained, sealing a hard-earned win.
The victory earned United a valuable three points and a rare clean sheet, and moved them up to fifth in the table before their other rivals played at the weekend.
Senne Lammens can be Man Utd No.1 for years to come
Speaking on his YouTube channel after his former side’s win over Newcastle, Rio Ferdinand spoke about the Belgian goalkeeper, saying that he thinks United have finally found a solution to their goalkeeping situation, which has been problematic in recent seasons.
“Do you know what, Lammens is a solid addition to this squad, he’s going to be Manchester United’s keeper for the next ten years, no doubt.
“He is as solid as a rock. No frills, just gets it done. Look, you need him to come out to claim it on the edge of his six-yard box, he comes and just takes one through bodies, beautiful to see.
“You want a solid keeper, you know where he’s going to be.
“When you get to the football pitch you’d be going, ‘you know what, I hope he’s behind me’, he looks like one of those.”
Lammens has steadied the ship
The goalkeeping position has been a concern for the club since David De Gea’s departure in 2023. His replacement, André Onana, endured a difficult two-year spell, while Altay Bayındır failed to demonstrate that he can be trusted as a consistent first-choice keeper at the start of this season.
Having made just 52 appearances in the Belgian Pro League before making the switch to Old Trafford, there were questions as to whether the 23-year-old could live up to the pressure of being the starting keeper or not, but it’s safe to say that he has thrived since coming in.
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Since making his debut, Lammens has brought a sense of calm and stability to United’s back line, with his handling of crosses against Newcastle United being the latest example of his strong ability in dealing with such situations, an area where both Bayındır and Onana struggled.
After a turbulent four or five-season spell in the goalkeeping department after De Gea’s downturn in form in his last two seasons at United, as well as Onana’s stint at the club, Lammens has already displayed in his 12 games for his new club that he has the ability to be United’s starting keeper, and at just 23 years old, still has plenty of time to further improve.
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