Senne Lammens finally made his debut for Manchester United, keeping a clean sheet in his new side’s 2-0 win over Sunderland.
Rúben Amorim handed Senne Lammens his debut in goal as Manchester United hosted Sunderland at a rain-soaked Old Trafford in the Premier League.
United started strongly and quickly took control of the match. Their early dominance was rewarded when Mason Mount produced a clever touch and composed finish to open the scoring. Amorim’s side continued to dictate play, but Sunderland goalkeeper Robin Roefs pulled off several fine saves to keep his team in contention.
Just after the half-hour mark, Benjamin Šeško doubled United’s advantage with a close-range strike. Sunderland thought they had a chance to respond before the break when they were awarded a penalty, but the decision was overturned following an on-field review.
The second half was a more balanced affair, with both teams battling for control. Amorim introduced Patrick Chinazaekpere Dorgu and Matheus Cunha to add energy down the left flank, yet despite sustained pressure, United were unable to find a third goal.
Solid defensive displays from Matthijs de Ligt and Luke Shaw, along with a confident late save from debutant Lammens, ensured United claimed their first clean sheet of the season and three valuable Premier League points.
Lammens debut was worth the wait
Making his debut for United, Lammens looked comfortable from the first whistle, displaying his distribution abilities early on.
It was clear that the crowd was behind the Belgian, with a roar of cheers erupting every time the Belgian made a save, making a great stop just before the full-time whistle to earn a deserved clean sheet on his debut.
Speaking after the game, Amorim spoke on the 23-year-old’s debut and touched on why it took so many games for Lammens to make his debut.
He said, “I think he looks confident. The important thing is that the teammates helped Senne have a good game. “When he arrives, you can feel he needs to adapt. It was a little preparation for him to start his first game. He did well. He was comfortable.”
Lammens deserves to be the starting keeper
Touted as one of the most highly-rated young goalkeepers in Europe, it was expected that Lammens would quickly become United’s starting keeper, but it has taken over a month after signing for the Belgian to finally start between the sticks.
Altay Bayındır has been Amorim’s preferred starting option so far this season, but has failed to establish himself as a reliable enough keeper to be United No.1
The Turkish international simpy hasn’t been good enough this season, making a couple of mistakes already this season that have cost his side valuable points.
On his debut, Lammens secured a clean sheet for United, a feat that had been rare under Amorim, with it being just the seventh time since the start of 2025 that Man Utd had shut out their opponents.
While it was understandable not to immediately thrust Lammens into the starting 11 where he would have had to face Manchester City and Chelsea in his first two games, his debut showed that he could have what it takes to be the number one, and deserves a run of games after the international break.
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