Senne Lammens joined Manchester United in a £18.2million deal from Royal Antwerp this summer and his agent has opened up on the club’s plans to keep Andre Onana
Senne Lammens’ agent has claimed that Manchester United originally planned to retain Andre Onana at Old Trafford to mentor the Belgian shot-stopper. Lammens joined United this summer in an £18.2million deal, with additional clauses, from Belgian Pro League outfit Royal Antwerp.
The goalkeeper penned a five-year deal after breakthrough talks before making the journey to Manchester to complete his switch on deadline day. The 23-year-old is considered amongst Europe’s most promising young keepers and has largely made a positive impression under Ruben Amorim thus far.
Although he has managed only two clean sheets, the stopper has provided a reliable figure for United’s backline, which has been frequently shuffled due to form and fitness issues this campaign.
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Speaking to Belgian outlet HBVL, Lammens’ representative Mark Volders has discussed his client’s switch to Amorim’s squad whilst suggesting the club altered their strategy regarding Onana. The Cameroon international departed United on loan to Turkish Super Lig outfit Trabzonspor shortly after Lammens’ arrival in M16.
“Those critical voices… the big problem was that they expected a very well-known name, like [Gianluigi] Donnarumma or [Emiliano] Martínez,” Volders said.
“But actually, for a long time, the intention within United was for Onana to stay and for Senne to be given time to adjust.
“Ultimately, they changed their tune right at the very end, Onana left, and fully embraced Senne. But in hindsight, you can only say that United was right about that.”
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Lammens has recently confessed to being “surprised” by the camaraderie and unity within United’s dressing room since his arrival.
The goalkeeper spoke with Malaysian broadcaster Stadium Astro during an interview at Carrington, where he was quizzed about his closest relationships in the squad. Lammens mentioned two fellow shot-stoppers but revealed he feels connected to the entire group due to their strong bond.
He said: “I would say maybe Tom Heaton or the fourth goalkeeper Dermot Mee or also, like, the Dutch guys, because it’s easier with the language as well. But I think just in general that’s what surprised me the most.
“It’s just the togetherness of the group and of the dressing room. Everyone was really nice. So I don’t really want to say one or two guys. It’s in general with everybody, to be honest.”
Lammens offered additional personal details when he disclosed that he keeps a journal before and after fixtures. He added: “I think it started when I started played at Antwerp two years ago.
“I like to write things down before and after a game just to get my head into the right mindset. Sometimes if things don’t go right, or you don’t want it in your head, you just write it down to get it off your chest.
“I came up with it [journaling] a little bit myself, but also got it [the idea] from people talking about it as well, so I thought I would give it a try and it actually helped me a lot, so I still do it.
“Before a game, I write down a little bit about the opponent, about how they will play and put pressure on me. Also individual things, like key points I have to remember throughout the game.”
