Michael Carrick is rightly getting a lot of plaudits for sparking a turnaround at Man Utd, but the player who was the biggest difference-maker vs Arsenal was someone who his predecessor didn’t want.
Even the wildest expectations at Man Utd have been surpassed by Michael Carrick after the first two games.
The 3-2 win against Arsenal saw another solid performance as they toppled the league leaders in deserved fashion.
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There were many heroes from a memorable performance, but the biggest difference-maker was someone whose presence doesn’t reflect well on Ruben Amorim.
Senne Lammens of Manchester United in action during the Premier League match between Arsenal and Manchester United at Emirates Stadium on January 25, 2026
Photo by Ash Donelon/Manchester United via Getty Images
Man Utd felt confident with Senne Lammens
When Amorim struggled at Old Trafford, the game against Arsenal at home to start the season became his safety blanket.
He kept saying how United should have won that game, and he was right.
The only reason why they didn’t was that Altay Bayindir played like the smallest 6’6″ goalkeeper in world football on that day.
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Bayindir was bullied on every set-piece, and the result was an undeserved loss.
Fast forward to the 3-2 win at The Emirates, and the difference Senne Lammens made in goal was eons away from what Bayindir did.
Lammens was also made uncomfortable on one corner from which Arsenal equalised to make it 2-2, but apart from that instance, he was solidity personified.
He asserted his dominance on set-pieces by catching or punching the ball when necessary, made the saves he should have without fuss, and contributed with the odd amazing save as well.
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It was in sharp contrast to Bayindir’s display, which was nervousness personified, and it won’t be an exaggeration to say that United would have lost this game with Bayindir or Onana in goal.
Ruben Amorim didn’t want Lammens
All this narrative brings us back to a key transfer decision where, had Amorim got his way, United wouldn’t be fielding Lammens against Arsenal.
Lammens was up against Emi Martinez for the goalkeeping spot in the summer, and it was an open secret that Amorim wanted the experienced Martinez.
It was reflected in his comments about the goalkeeping position needing experience or his surprise at how well Lammens had adjusted to the team.
The board put their foot down and looked out for the club by buying a younger alternative in Lammens, and Amorim was frustrated.
Ultimately, he has been proven wrong by the player, vindicating the board instead, continuing a line of events that don’t reflect well on the Portuguese.
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