Manchester United's Senne Lammens had a nightmare World Cup debut for Belgium in their quarter-final defeat to Spain
Senne Lammens was at fault for Spain's World Cup winner against Belgium
Senne Lammens was at fault for Spain's World Cup winner against Belgium(Image: (Photo by Robbie Jay Barratt - AMA/Getty Images))
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Senne Lammens was at fault for Spain's World Cup winner against Belgium after he replaced the injured Thibaut Courtois. The Manchester United goalkeeper came on for the tearful Real Madrid star with 20 minutes remaining, but his first meaningful action was an unforced error.
As Spain pushed for a late winner, space opened in front of Pau Cubarsi with the Barcelona youngster firing an effort towards goal from distance. Lammens attempted to gather the tame effort, but it bounced up and hit his chest. That saw the loose ball fall into the path of Mikel Merino, who duly fired a rebound into the roof of the net.
Following the goal, Lammens sat on the grass and put his hands on his head while looking on dejectedly. World feed cameras later cut to Courtois, who could only look on in despair - though he was quick to console Lammens at full-time.
There had been calls for Lammens to get the nod over Courtois at the World Cup following such an impressive first season at Old Trafford.
However, his mistake on the biggest stage has shown he still has lots of learning to do. He will almost certainly recover from that, with the 24-year-old surely set to have more World Cups for his national team.
Fabian Ruiz had earlier seen his close-range opener cancelled out by a Charles De Ketelaere header just before half-time.
No other United players were involved in the clash with the number representing them decreasing following last-16 exits for Brazil and Portugal.
Lisandro Martinez and Kobbie Mainoo are the only United stars still in action overseas, but that could change over the weekend with both in quarter-final action for Argentina and England, respectively.
Lisandro Martinez in action for Argentina
Lisandro Martinez is one just two Manchester United players still at the World Cup
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The duo will return to pre-season late as a result of their exploits, which will further damage their already-depleted midfield. United are looking to strengthen significantly in that department with Andrey Santos set to join from Chelsea.
An agreement for Atalanta's Ederson has been in place for some time and despite claims the deal has collapsed, the Manchester Evening News understands that the club do not consider the move to be off.
Alex Scott, Tyler Adams and Felix Nmecha are just a few other midfielders that have been linked that United could potentially turn to if the deal does not go through.