Former Manchester United centre-back Rio Ferdinand gave his thoughts about one player who has had a great start to life at Old Trafford.
Manchester United earned a hard-fought 2–1 win over Liverpool on Sunday afternoon, with Rúben Amorim’s side taking a crucial three points at Anfield.
United made a flying start, opening the scoring inside two minutes as Bryan Mbeumo finished smartly from a tight angle after being played through by Amad. The visitors maintained their early momentum, and Bruno Fernandes went close to doubling the lead but couldn’t convert a clear opportunity.
Amorim’s side reached half-time with a slender advantage, though Liverpool came out strongly after the interval. Cody Gakpo struck the post soon after the restart, hinting at what was to come. Just past the hour mark, Amorim refreshed his team by introducing Manuel Ugarte, Patrick Chinazaekpere Dorgu, and Benjamin Šeško.
Liverpool’s persistence paid off late on when Gakpo levelled from close range with a little over ten minutes remaining. Yet United hit back almost immediately, as Harry Maguire climbed highest to head home and restore the lead.
Arne Slot’s men pressed relentlessly in the closing stages, but United’s defence stood firm to seal their first victory at Anfield since January 2016.
Rio Ferdinand impressed by Senne Lammens
Senne Lammens had to wait a while to make his debut for his new side, debuting in United’s 2-0 win over Sunderland at Old Trafford before the international break.
While United’s trip to Anfield was always going to be a tougher task for the Belgian keeper, he certainly stepped up to the task, making a number of good saves.
Speaking on his Youtube Channel after the game, Rio Ferdinand spoke highly about the 23-year-old shot stopper, saying: “He’s only played two games, I don’t want to get carried away, but in the two games he’s played, he’s been very dependable, and that’s the word you want with your goalkeeper.
“Safe, dependable, assured, assertive, calm. These types of words are what you want with your goalkeeper. Long may that continue because that then instils confidence in the back line.”
Lammens displays additional ability
Having waited patiently for his debut after signing in the summer, it quickly became evident against Sunderland that he has what it takes to be competing for the number one spot, with his teammate, Altay Bayındır having struggled in the previous games.
Touted as one of the most highly-rated young goalkeepers in Europe, the Belgian kept a clean sheet on his debut, a great achievement for a club which had kept just six clean sheets prior to the fixture.
While his ability in goal is evident, his role in the build up of United’s play is also an admirable trait that he possesses. He looked assured with the ball at his feet, and, while against Sunderland he was plauded for his long ball to Šeško, his short passing ability was on display against Liverpool.
Earlier in the week Amorim also explained a ‘really good’ ability that Lammens has, which is the fact he can play with both feet, which will help im his short passing owing to the fact the opposition can’t force him onto a weaker side.
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