Manchester United goalkeeper Senne Lammens insists he has the mentality and self-confidence required to deal with criticism from former players and pundits.
The Belgian has faced questions from United legends Roy Keane and Paul Scholes despite establishing himself as the club’s first-choice goalkeeper following his arrival from Royal Antwerp.
Keane criticised Lammens’ behaviour following the Manchester derby defeat to Manchester City, while Scholes questioned whether the 24-year-old is capable of becoming United’s long-term No.1.
Lammens, though, has little interest in allowing those opinions to affect him.
Lammens responds to Manchester United scrutiny
Speaking during international duty, in comments relayed by Het Belang van Limburg, Lammens explained that playing for Manchester United has not changed his personality.
“Playing for United hasn’t changed my character,” he said.
“You do have to be mentally strong and have self-confidence in the face of all those people expressing their opinions. I can imagine that isn’t easy for everyone.”
Rather than becoming overwhelmed by the attention surrounding United, Lammens says he enjoys competing at the highest level.
“I love playing all those Premier League matches. Premier League, Nations League… It doesn’t feel any different.”
It is a straightforward response to the scrutiny that inevitably accompanies being Manchester United’s goalkeeper.
Belgium opportunity gives Lammens another platform
Lammens’ performances at club level have also established him in Belgium’s senior setup.
Belgium manager Mark van Bommel started him in both Nations League fixtures in September following Thibaut Courtois’ temporary withdrawal, and Lammens is set to remain in goal against Turkey.
He believes the only useful approach is concentrating on what he can actually influence.
“I think I am the number 1 now. It is important that I perform well and am ready immediately,” Lammens said.
“I cannot control what the future holds. But I can control my performances.”
That philosophy also appears to explain how he approaches criticism from figures such as Keane and Scholes.
Lammens is not claiming the criticism does not exist. Instead, he appears determined not to allow external opinions to influence his confidence or performances.
Key Points
- Roy Keane and Paul Scholes have both raised concerns about Senne Lammens at Manchester United.
- Lammens says playing for United has not changed his character.
- The goalkeeper believes mental strength and self-confidence are essential when dealing with constant opinions.
- Lammens says he focuses on his own performances because that is what he can control.
- He is currently Belgium’s first-choice goalkeeper following Thibaut Courtois’ temporary withdrawal.
What’s Next
Lammens is set to start Belgium’s Nations League meeting with Turkey, giving him another opportunity to strengthen his position at international level.
He will then return to Manchester United knowing the scrutiny is unlikely to disappear. His response is clear: rather than worrying about what former players say, he intends to let his performances determine whether he can establish himself as United’s long-term No.1.
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