Ruben Amorim has explained why Senne Lammens could be about to face his toughest test at Manchester United against Brighton this weekend.
Following a memorable 2-1 triumph over Liverpool at Anfield last weekend, Manchester United return to Old Trafford for a tough test against Brighton.
Ruben Amorim’s season has been a mixed one, with setbacks against Brentford and Grimsby Town casting doubt over his long-term position as manager.
Even so, that win on Merseyside; United’s first at Anfield in almost ten years and their second straight league victory; has lifted the mood and restored confidence among the supporters.
Brighton, however, have often caused United problems, and Amorim will be keen to respond after Fabian Hurzeler’s men claimed a 3-1 win at Old Trafford last season.
Amorim on why Lammens will face his toughest test vs Brighton
United have finally won two games in a row and some may argue that it isn’t a coincidence that those wins came in Senne Lammens’ first two appearances for the club.
The new goalkeeper has brought an air of calmness to the United backline that hasn’t been there for a while, even if the Reds had to ride their luck defensively at Anfield.
Lammens has impressed so far but ahead of the game against Brighton, Amorim has warned his players that the Seagulls are excelling in terms of set-pieces this term.
“It’s going to be a very difficult game,” Amorim said. “I think Brighton is a team [that is] really fun to watch. They are really good on [the] build-up.
“They are really strong on transitions in every aspect of the game. They are doing well in set-pieces this season. So, I think they are a team that is really complete.
“We need to be really smart, and to face that game with a real focus on everything that we do, because they are a very strong team.”
André Onana and Altay Bayındır both struggled when defending set-pieces and opposition teams began targeting whoever was between the sticks for United.
Lammens has shown confidence in the air so far but he hasn’t yet been properly tested in that regard. Brighton will likely provide him with that challenge and it will be interesting to see how he responds.”
United approach is helping Lammens
Lammens’ debut for the club was not as simple as it looked on paper. Sunderland were flying high and full of confidence and it’s not exactly like United have been excellent at Old Trafford recently.
Then, he obviously had to travel to Anfield – one of the most difficult away grounds to play at for any player, let alone a young goalkeeper making his second appearance for United.
But the 23-year-old has been helped by United’s approach in these games, with Amorim clearly instructing him to play longer passes.
He doesn’t have to worry about his ball-playing ability right now and can focus on keeping the ball out of the net, which likely has helped him settle in.
Make sure to follow UtdDistrict on X, Instagram, Facebook, YouTube, and TikTok to never miss out on any of our Manchester United content. Our podcast, What the Devil?, is streamed live every Thursday at 12:30 pm (BST) on the United View YouTube channel.