Manchester United dispatched of Brighton in a fantastic 4-2 display. Just their second victory against the Seagulls in the past eight outings, the 13-time Premier League winners brushed aside any bogey team claims, with one player in particular aiding United on their route to victory.
Following two potential penalty shouts, United fans didn't have to worry about what might have been, as Matheus Cunha plundered home his first goal in a Red Devils kit. Doing so from some 20 yards, firing across the goal, into the bottom right corner, the goal marked a positive opening 30 minutes for Ruben Amorim's men.
Having assisted the opener, Casemiro turned goalscorer for the second, as his wild, outside-the-box effort took a wicked deflection off of Yasin Ayari, wrong-footing Bart Verbruggen, and ending up in the back of the net. With Bryan Mbuemo getting in on the act in the second-half, an impressive Danny Welbeck free-kick and two last-minute goals, courtesy of Charalampos Kostoulas and Mbeumo saw the Old Trafford faithful walk away with a 4-2 win.
Despite the win, Amorim admitted to Sky Sports before the game that he is unsure of his best XI. With changes appearing to be commonplace for Manchester United, one position that seems safe is Senne Lammens', as after another noteworthy performance, United fans have come out in droves to wax lyrical about the Belgian.
Senne Lammens Labelled 'Missing Piece' as Manchester United Re-find Winning Form
senne lammens
It wasn't an easy start to life in Manchester for Senne Lammens. Having been linked to numerous clubs during the summer, including Aston Villa, the Belgian decided to join Amorim's side. With no established number one at the club, it seemed a sure bet that the 23-year-old would walk into the starting XI. However, it wasn't to be.
Made to sit on the bench whilst Altay Bayindir got minutes, it took a month after he joined the club for Lammens to debut. Doing so against Sunderland, the shot-stopper earned himself a clean sheet on his inaugural outing, before going to Anfield and making five saves as his team won 2-1. Despite most recently conceding twice against Brighton, the jaw-dropping goal, courtesy of a Danny Welbeck free-kick, was unanimously agreed upon as being unsavable, likewise with Kostoulas' header.
Starting his third consecutive game in a United kit, one user on X (formerly Twitter) stated, "What I like about Senne Lammens is that he knows when to play short passes and when to send it long." An assured figure in between the sticks, another noted, "Senne Lammens has changed our season. He has brought with him that confidence between the sticks, and the good luck vibe."
With many appreciating his shot-stopping, United fans have been quick to mention his cross-claiming skills and shot prevention skills, noting these two traits as to why they haven't been as prone to conceding easy goals. Leaving Old Trafford with three saves to his name, 14 recoveries, alongside 48% pass accuracy, the highest score from his three appearances, never have United fans felt more comfortable with a keeper after conceding twice at home.
Not too flashy and not too nervy, his calming presence has brought about much-needed ease in United's backline. With Bayindir and Andre Onana often inviting pressure, Lammens' ability in all facets of his position has United fans salivating at the thought of what is to come as he matures into the role. With work still to do, he is an integral part of why Manchester United have won three in a row.