A former Premier League star has advocated for Senne Lammens to make his Manchester United debut as early as next Sunday, in the Manchester derby.
Manchester United have earned four points from their first three Premier League fixtures so far, and will soon face the tough test of their local rivals, Manchester City.
Ruben Amorim’s side have been slightly underwhelming so far this campaign, especially considering how triumphant their pre-season was in the United States.
With Matheus Cunha potentially back in time to take on Pep Guardiola’s side, the Reds will be hopeful to capitalise on their neighbours’ slow start to the season.
As well as this, the Manchester derby could present new shot-stopper Senne Lammens with an opportunity to make his debut for the Reds. Craig Burley gave his verdict on this.
Lammens to be thrown into the deep end
When speaking to ESPN, via Stretty News, former Chelsea player Burley spoke on United’s goalkeeping situation ahead of their upcoming derby, and advocated for a Lammens start.
Burley said, “Altay Bayindir, they can’t play him. He might be okay at shot-stopping, which is what goalkeepers are paid for, but he’s absolutely useless at dealing with balls in from set-pieces.
“This new lad (Lammens) needs to be able to marshal a back four, make saves, have authority and make a statement at set-pieces. That’s what every team is going to do against United now, they’re going to launch balls into the box and the goalkeeper needs to be able to deal with it.”
Burley finished his statement by saying, “He’s either going to sink or swim. We don’t really know how he’s going to handle this scenario.”
Is it too early for Lammens?
Although United’s new shot-stopper will have had the entire international break to adjust to his new surroundings, a debut in the fiercely contested Manchester Derby may be a risky decision.
Hypothetically, if Lammens was to impress against City, then fantastic, but on the chance that the occasion gets the better of him, then it’ll be the last thing that Amorim needs given his already existing goalkeeper conundrum.
Given the fact that City have had an underwhelming start to the season, Amorim will feel like their neighbours are there for the taking, and may not deem it the right time for a Lammens debut.
This eagerly awaited affair will take place on Sunday, 14 September, where we will get to see who comes out on top between the Manchester clubs.
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