New Manchester United goalkeeper Senne Lammens has given his first interview since joining the Red Devils.
Manchester United made a choice on transfer deadline day, opting to sign Senne Lammens ahead of Emiliano Martinez, paying £18.2 million.
United also ignored the option to sign Gianluigi Donnarumma, putting faith in their scouting of the new Belgian stopper.
Lammens’ deal was announced late on deadline day, with the goalkeeper now preparing to get to work at Carrington.
Manchester United unveil Senne Lammens as a new signing.
Photo by Manchester United/Manchester United via Getty Images
Lammens says he idolised two goalkeepers
Senne Lammens has been talking to MUTV about his career path and excitement for his new adventure at Manchester United.
Speaking about his idols, Lammens predictably cites Belgian great Thibaut Courtois as one of the players he admires the most.
For another, he cites the goalkeeper Sir Alex Ferguson wanted to sign ahead of David de Gea, German legend Manuel Neuer.
Lammens explained: “I watched a lot of football growing up. My inspirations when I got older and became a goalkeeper were Manuel Neuer or Thibaut Courtois, the same nationality, so you look up to them a lot.”
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Ferguson later explained how goalkeeping coach at the time Eric Steele convinced him to sign De Gea ahead of Neuer.
“I said ‘but Eric, the boy Neuer is the complete unit; he’s mature, his physique is unbelievable’, and he says ‘yeah, but in three years’ time, De Gea will be better’.”
Lammens keen for ‘next step’
Senne Lammens went on to discuss his style of play, saying that he is proud to be strong in a lot of different areas of his game.
“I’m quite all-round, I take pride in that. I like to play from the back also with the team, at my feet.
“I like to help the team with controlling the space behind the defence, helping my defenders.
“And, of course, if you want to be a top goalkeeper at this level, you have to be a good shot-stopper, so I think I’m an all-round [keeper].
“I can improve also and I’m already eager to start training and improving so that I can take the next step.”
Lammens squad number confirmed
Senne Lammens will wear the number 31 shirt at Manchester United, the club has confirmed. The shirt was previously won by goalkeepers Jack Butland and Martin Dubravka.
Nemanja Matic, Bastian Schweinsteiger and Marouane Fellaini all previously wore the shirt.