Paul Scholes has suggested Senne Lammens is yet to prove he’s a suitable fit at Old Trafford.

The Belgian joined Manchester United last year in a late-summer deal after both Andre Onana and Altay Bayindir fell out of favour.

How Senne Lammens ended up at United

MANCHESTER, ENGLAND - SEPTEMBER 13: Senne Lammens of Manchester United arrives at the stadium before the Premier League 2026/27 match between Manchester United and Manchester City at Old Trafford on September 13, 2026 in Manchester, England. (Photo by Michael Regan/Getty Images)
(Photo by Michael Regan/Getty Images)

When United entered the market for a new goalkeeper, they went as far as agreeing personal terms with Emiliano Martinez, before eventually favouring youth over experience and signing Lammens from Royal Antwerp.

Martinez has since joined Chelsea, while Lammens was swiftly made the Red Devils’ No.1.

It goes without saying that the 24-year-old has been a vast improvement on his predecessors, but fans are starting to harbour concerns over whether he has it in him to become world-class in the coming years.

Appearances Goals conceded  Clean sheets
36 46 8
Lammens’ complete Premier League record

One look at Liverpool with Alisson Becker and Arsenal with David Raya shows just how imperative it is to get your shot-stopper right long-term, even if it might take a few goes before settling on the right candidate.

How is Lammens faring this term?

LIVERPOOL, ENGLAND - SEPTEMBER 06: Senne Lammens of Manchester United during the Premier League 2026/27 match between Everton and Manchester United at Hill Dickinson Stadium on September 06, 2026 in Liverpool, England. (Photo by Carl Recine/Carl Recine/Getty Images)
(Photo by Carl Recine/Carl Recine/Getty Images)

Lammens finished 2025/2026 being named Transfer of the Season in the Premier League, which is a hugely impressive feat by all accounts.

Since the new campaign has got underway, however, he has conceded seven goals in the opening four matches – including two in each game against newly-promoted sides Ipswich Town and Hull City.

Manchester City only struck once during Sunday’s derby, but that was them navigating the clash with just nine outfield players.

Reacting to the dismal defeat on The Good, The Bad & The Football, Scholes said: “What team have you seen win the Premier League without a top-class goalkeeper?

“Lammens might be that, I don’t know, I think the jury’s probably still out on that, and then you build from the back four.”

Author

  • Isabel, 25, is a football writer who has previously gained experience in the industry as the editor of Stretty News, along with work on Caught Offside, Last Word on Football and Give Me Sport. She is now the editor of UtdReport.