Photo by George Wood/Getty Images
Photo by George Wood/Getty Images
Senne Lammens reveals that reading helps him as a footballer after taking part in Manchester United Foundation’s celebrations for World Book Day.
After a summer transfer from Royal Antwerp to Manchester United, Senne Lammens arrived at Old Trafford as an inexperienced goalkeeper but quickly established himself as the first-choice option.
The Belgian’s calmness has drawn comparisons to Edwin van der Sar, who was complimentary of Lammens following United’s recent 1-0 win over Everton.
Lammens has thus far proven to be an excellent signing for United. And, at the age of 23, he looks destined for a long career at the club.
Ruben Amorim and Michael Carrick as Man Utd managers
Ruben Amorim vs Everton and Michael Carrick vs Newcastle as Man Utd managers
Senne Lammens warming up
Photo by Richard Sellers/Sportsphoto/Allstar via Getty Images
Senne Lammens takes part in World Book Day celebrations with Manchester United Foundation
In many ways, Lammens is the perfect antidote to Andre Onana, who was chaotic at best between the sticks for United.
The Belgium international is an assured and calm presence behind the defence, and he always looks focused, unlike Onana or Altay Bayindir, who have both conceded goals directly from corners.
That alone is enough to make Lammens a popular figure among United fans, but he recently joined Manchester United Foundation’s celebrations for World Book Day.
Lammens inspired a group of primary school pupils at Partington Central Academy by sharing his love for reading and taking part in The Great World Book Day 2026 Footy and Booky Quiz.
The United stopper helped to hand out books from the National Literacy Trust on his first community visit with Manchester United Foundation.
“It’s a fantastic initiative from the Foundation around reading and writing. I still read a lot today and it helps me in football as well,” Lammens said.
“One of the great honours we have of playing for Manchester United is the amount of support we get from our fans and especially kids of this age.
“I know how important it is for them to see guys like us give an example to them and to support them, so it’s been nice to come and help them and give them some advice.”
Since football is adrenaline-heavy, reading acts as a form of active recovery for the brain.
Lammens wasn’t happy about United’s defeat against Newcastle, so he might take out one of his favourite books to relax over the coming days.
Edwin van der Sar quotes on Senne Lammens
Getty Images.
Benjamin Sesko reads every day to gain knowledge
Fellow United star Benjamin Sesko has expressed his love for reading on the latest episode of the Inside Carrington podcast.
The Slovenian signed for United from RB Leipzig in the summer. After a slow start, Sesko has worked his way back into the line-up under Carrick by adding more goals to his tally.
On the podcast, Sesko revealed he is a big believer in meditation and visualisation techniques. He also takes time to read every day in an attempt to gain more knowledge.
“If I take a day off, I always try to wake up at seven o’clock,” he said.
“It’s always kind of my routine to always keep it up, especially when I have a day off, as I try to enjoy it as much as possible.
“So I’ll get my coffee, and then I’m big on doing visualisations and meditations. I’ve been doing this for a couple of years – it just became my daily routine.
“Then I’ll probably go for some treatment and gym work, if possible. I like to enjoy my day off. I like to play basketball and try to find ways to play a little bit, and get active.
“I’m the kind of guy who doesn’t like to stay in one place for too long, so I’m always active.
“Then, at the end, I’ll try and read a book and try to get some knowledge out of it, and some sofa time, which is very important.
“I don’t try to change so much on game day,” he continued. “I just try to put the focus where it has to be.
“Obviously, my meditation is really important because it just keeps me calm and in the place where I have to be.
“In the morning, with Diogo [Dalot], we do the ice bath, like up to the neck just to have a bit of a shock, get the body activated. Then the rest is just meetings, then lunch and then the game.”