Former Owen Hargreaves has reportedly picked Manchester United goalkeeper Senne Lammens as the club’s signing of the season — and it is not difficult to understand why.
When Manchester United completed the signing of the young Belgian goalkeeper from Royal Antwerp in September 2025, many supporters were unsure about the move. The club had been linked with bigger and more experienced names, including Emiliano Martínez, and there were questions about whether a relatively unknown goalkeeper from the Belgian league could handle the pressure of Old Trafford.
United eventually secured Lammens for around £18 million plus add-ons on a five-year contract, viewing him as a long-term solution to their goalkeeping issues.
At the time, the signing did not create the same excitement as arrivals like Matheus Cunha, Bryan Mbeumo, or Benjamin Šeško. However, over the course of the season, Lammens quietly became one of the most important players in Ruben Amorim’s squad.
The 23-year-old quickly established himself as a calm and commanding presence between the posts. His performances in crucial matches earned widespread praise from fans, pundits, and analysts. One of his standout displays came against Everton, where he produced several vital saves and dominated aerial situations under heavy pressure. Analysts later described him as one of the best value-for-money signings in recent Premier League history.
Statistics also support the growing hype around the Belgian shot-stopper. According to Opta data shared during the season, Lammens prevented 5.5 more goals than the average goalkeeper based on expected goals on target faced — the best record in the Premier League since his debut in October.
Fans who initially doubted the signing gradually changed their opinion as Lammens consistently delivered assured performances. His confidence on crosses, reflex saves, and composure under pressure reminded some supporters of legendary United goalkeepers from the past. During his debut against Sunderland, Old Trafford fans even sang “Are you Schmeichel in disguise?” after an impressive clean-sheet performance.
Lammens himself has admitted that the move to Manchester United came at the “perfect time” in his career. Reflecting on his first season, he said he was proud of his development and believed the team had grown significantly throughout the campaign.
That is why Hargreaves’ choice has resonated with many supporters. While high-profile attacking signings often dominate headlines, Lammens has arguably provided the consistency and reliability United desperately needed. His impact has transformed a position that had been a major concern for the club in recent years.
For a relatively modest transfer fee in today’s market, Manchester United may have found a goalkeeper capable of becoming their long-term No.1 — and perhaps one of the smartest signings the club has made in years.
