Football writer Adrian Clarke identifies the key players, team tactics and where matches could be won and lost in Matchweek 12.
Player analysis: Senne Lammens (Manchester United)
Ever since David De Gea left Man Utd in the summer of 2023, the goalkeeping position has felt a little problematic at Old Trafford.
His replacement Andre Onana turned out not to be the answer, and his understudy Altay Bayindir also failed to make a positive impact when given a chance to stake a claim as for the No 1 shirt.
In late August, Ruben Amorim addressed the issue by signing little-known Lammens from Royal Antwerp, and the 23-year-old has instantly eased concerns over his lack of top-level experience with a series of assured performances.
We take a closer look at United’s new 'keeper ahead of Monday night’s match at home to Everton.
How Lammens has made a good first impression
It always helps when your team is picking up points, 11 from a possible 15 to be precise, but United’s unbeaten run is not the sole reason their new goalkeeper is proving so popular with the fanbase.
Rather than admiring a string of jaw-dropping saves across his five appearances, it is actually the Belgian’s cool temperament which has impressed supporters the most.
Exuding calmness under pressure, and willing to come off his line to claim dominant catches, there is an air of unflappability about Lammens.
Watch: Lammens' top seven Man Utd saves
He showed that on his Premier League debut when keeping a clean sheet against Sunderland at Old Trafford.
Afterwards, he talked with pride about how it went.
“I did realise how important my debut would be. I had to make a good impression, and succeeded. Not that I made any spectacular saves, but I did radiate calm. I’m proud of that.”
That confidence has permeated through the side, with United’s back four certainly looking more controlled since Lammens took over the gloves.
Making fewer mistakes
There is clear evidence of a correlation between this new found calmness and improved defensive stability.
Since Lammens came into the starting XI, there have been fewer costly errors, and although more shots have been faced, the quality of those attempts have generally been low.
Man Utd defence before and since Lammens
| Statistic | Before 4 Oct | Since 4 Oct |
| Matches played | 6 | 5 |
|---|---|---|
| Errors leading to shots inc. goals | 5 | 4 |
| Errors leading to goals | 3 | 0 |
| Shots faced (inc. blocks) | 36 | 71 |
| Expected Goals Against | 9.35 | 7.43 |
| xG per shot faced | 0.17 | 0.10 |
| Big chances conceded | 17 | 12 |
As displayed here, (above) the Expected Goals (xG) value of shots faced in the last five matches have dropped from an average of 0.17 to 0.1, with five fewer big chances conceded too.
With Lammens and those around him feeling at ease, the form of key players like Matthijs de Ligt has improved, and United are far less likely to give up a stream of clear-cut opportunities.
Opponents now have to work harder to force mistakes.
Stats: Lammens v Bayindir
Lammens’ performances have passed the eye test, but does the data back up the assessment he is an upgrade on Bayindir?
The answer is yes.
In overall terms, Lammens' 66.7 per cent save ratio is not among the very best in the division, but the Belgian’s success rate is by some distance better than the man he replaced, who stopped just 52.2 per cent of shots on target he faced.
Lammens has also prevented 1.51 extra goals being scored against United according to Opta.
The rather error-prone Bayindir was in negative territory (-0.84) on the same metric.
How Lammens and Bayindir compare 25/26
| Statistic | Lammens | Bayindir |
| Matches | 5 | 6 |
|---|---|---|
| Conceded | 7 | 11 |
| Saves | 14 | 13 |
| Save ratio | 66.70% | 54.20% |
| Goals prevented | 1.51 | -0.84 |
When you study their save placement graphics (below), displaying goals conceded and saves made, you will notice that Lammens covers the corners in a superior way.
He has kept out several attempts that were heading just inside the post; meanwhile Bayindir’s saves were all blocks from centrally located efforts.
Anything aimed for the corner went past the Turk.
Making smart saves
One criticism of Bayindir and his predecessor Onana was a reluctance to come off their line to claim catches on a regular basis.
This encouraged teams to bombard United’s box.
On his debut, Lammens showed that he was more positive in his approach, taking this high claim from a hanging Noah Sadiki cross.
It was a catch that drew loud cheers from the stands, and it is a policy he has continued to take.
Lammens has also made some smart saves, even if none have been astounding.
This save with his legs from Alexander Isak (below) was a big moment in their 2-1 win at Liverpool.
As was this terrific flying save to deny Brighton & Hove Albion’s Ferdi Kadioglu a top-class strike from distance at Old Trafford (as seen below).
In each appearance to date, Lammens has been called upon to make at least one excellent save, so his start to life at the Theatre of Dreams has been extremely positive.
Watch Lammens v Brighton
Goal kicks look very different
It seems Amorim has altered his outlook on playing out short from goal kicks, with Lammens as his goalkeeper.
Fascinatingly, he has not produced a single goal kick that has been less than 40 yards long during the past five matches.
Aiming consistently towards the left wing, there has been a predictable but consistent feel to this aspect of United’s approach.
During the first six matches, Bayindir was far more varied in his choices, often playing a short pass from goal kicks, and in 2024/25 Onana also mixed up his distribution from restarts.
Since Amorim took over, we have often seen a centre-back drift into midfield to receive passes from goal kicks, but that tactic has been less prevalent of late.
In open play, Lammens is more than happy to pass the ball over shorter distances when it is at his feet, but the new instructions on goal kicks are crystal clear.
Long-term No 1
Lammens has proved he has the mindset to handle the pressure of playing for such a big side, and his technical ability looks very sound indeed.
The task in hand now is to rack up more clean sheets, and to be the difference maker in key moments.
Once shutouts and match winning displays become the norm, those Man Utd supporters who like what they see, will begin to view Lammens as somebody who can be their No 1 for the long term.
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