Manchester United’s summer signing Senne Lammens has enjoyed a stellar debut season for the Reds and is destined to go to the World Cup

Manchester United’s fanbase have arguably never been so torn as when the club finally announced David de Gea would be leaving at the end of the 2022/23 season. The final player remaining from the Reds’ last Premier League title winning season was unceremoniously released after weeks of uncertainty.

As one of the club’s elder statesman, De Gea was a high earner and United were keen to reduce his salary if he were to stay. This was because Erik ten Hag wanted a new goalkeeper who could play out from the back and were the Spaniard to remain, he would have to settle for being second choice.

Towards the end of that season, De Gea was under increased scrutiny after a number of shaky performances. His display in the 2023 FA Cup final defeat to Manchester City sealed his fate and, while there were conflicting thoughts as to whether the decision was right or not, everyone agreed De Gea deserved a better exit.

Get MEN Premium now for just £1 HERE – or get involved in our United WhatsApp group by clicking HERE. You can also join our United Facebook page by clicking HERE and don’t miss out on our brilliant selection of newsletters HERE.

Once the decision was made, all eyes were on the future and Andre Onana’s arrival was greeted warmly. The Cameroon international arrived having helped Inter reach the Champions League final and was renowned for playing out from the back.

However, what no one took into account was how few shots Onana faced at Inter. They were a dominant side in Italy and their strong defensive structure protected the goalkeeper. At Old Trafford, the Champions League finalist was found out.

In the 2022/23 season, the Reds conceded just 43 Premier League goals. This shot up to 58 in Onana’s debut campaign and dropped slightly to 54 last season, albeit goal scoring was sacrificed to shore up the defence.

With the jury firmly out on Onana in the 2023/24 season, many United fans were calling to bring back De Gea. The goalkeeper took the unconventional step of taking a year out of the game to spend time with his family while keeping in shape by regularly training at local National League club Altrincham.

De Gea was not getting any younger and re-signing him would have made United look desperate. What they needed to accept was Onana’s limitations.

He was not consistent enough for the Premier League, especially for a team who conceded so many shots to the opposition. Only at the start of the 2025/26 campaign did United realise the error of their ways.

An injury for Onana in pre-season allowed Altay Bayindir to take on the No.1 role. And, after another disappointing Onana performance against League Two Grimsby Town, Ruben Amorim finally pulled the trigger and signed another goalkeeper to take on the role of first choice.

Senne Lammens was a risk when he arrived. He had never played in one of the top five European leagues and he only had one full season to his name in senior football.

And yet, the Reds have discovered a goalkeeper who has reassured the defence with his composure and competence. Whether Lammens will go on to have the career of De Gea remains to be seen.

But we are no longer agonising over goalkeeper errors week in, week out as we were throughout Onana’s time as first choice and even during the final months of De Gea’s spell. Lammens has proven to be not only cheap but consistent.

United know what they are getting with him in goal. It has taken three years but finally United have managed to prove their decision to release De Gea was right.

Michael Carrick has been in charge of Man Utd for 10 games and goalkeeper Senne Lammens has been a key performer in that time, with just one defeat so far.

Senne Lammens has backed Michael Carrick’s ability to present a clear plan to Manchester United’s players as one of his biggest strengths after hailing the impact the head coach has made.

Carrick has lost just one of 10 Premier League games in charge since replacing Ruben Amorim in January and United’s form has taken them to third in the Premier League and on course for a return to the Champions League.

After the confusion of Amorim’s 3-4-2-1 system and a web of complex tactical demands, Carrick has gone back to basics in some ways, restoring United to a 4-2-3-1 system and putting players in positions they are more comfortable in.

Get MEN Premium now for just £1 HERE – or get involved in our United WhatsApp group by clicking HERE. You can also join our United Facebook page by clicking HERE and don’t miss out on our brilliant selection of newsletters HERE.

Lammens praised Carrick’s concise messaging and the way he is able to present a clear game plan that players are buying into, suggesting the 44-year-old has given them freedom to shine outside of a tactical framework as well.

“The first thing, from the first day, was his (Carrick) ability to make everything quite clear and (present) a direct message. He didn’t make it too difficult for us or too complicated,” Lammens told The Athletic while on international duty with Belgium.

“Sometimes, managers make a plan too complicated, and then some players don’t buy in and it’s difficult to get on the same level for everyone. But from the first game, it was quite clear what he wanted.

“He was not asking the most difficult things, but also he was able to let our players thrive in their qualities. At the back, not giving goals away is one of the most important things, and then our players in front can make a difference. That’s probably what has been working the best.”

Lammens has been excellent for United this season and he has stepped up since Carrick was appointed, with the defence looking more secure in a back four, rather than a back three.

The 23-year-old pointed out United have been starting games well under Carrick, with only one goal conceded in the first 20 minutes of games, and praised the head coach for helping to build a solid platform.

“We don’t really give away a lot of goals in the beginning of the game, which is probably one of the most important things in the Premier League,” said Lammens. “Michael has given us a lot of confidence and a lot of stability from the back.

“At the beginning of the season, there were a couple of players injured and a couple of defenders coming in and going out. It was difficult to get the rhythm. The last couple of games have been better as well. For example, with (centre-back) Harry Maguire in front of me, he is also a beast, so it’s always nice to have him there.”

Lammens made just his second start for Belgium in a friendly win against USA on Saturday, taking over from Thibaut Courtois and impressing in Atlanta, including one stunning save from a corner.

“I saw (Courtois) in the beginning of the week. He was there with our team. He knows we are both a bit the same character, in that we do not need the most praise or the most reassurance, but I think he believes in me as well,” he said.

“He’s still, to be honest, the best goalkeeper in the world. So he’ll come back to that level. I wanted to be there for my team today and maybe in the future, when I’m needed, I showed today that you can count on me.”

Senne Lammens has explained his committed day-to-day routine at Manchester United’s training ground

Senne Lammens has opened up about his training ground antics that were previously heralded by Manchester United bosses.

The goalkeeper joined the Red Devils on deadline day last year in an £18.2million transfer as Ruben Amorim’s last signing as United head coach. After being benched for his first three league games, the Belgium international was handed his debut in a 2-0 win against Sunderland.

Lammens has since played every game and with five clean sheets to his name, he’s introduced a sense of calm and reliability between the sticks. It’s not just his noticeable talent that has been adored by the United faithful and praised by the club’s hierarchy, but also the 23-year-old’s attitude towards training and his impressive work ethic.

Get MEN Premium now for just £1 HERE – or get involved in our United WhatsApp group by clicking HERE. You can also join our United Facebook page by clicking HERE and don’t miss out on our brilliant selection of newsletters HERE.

Lammens delved into his routine at Carrington during an appearance on ex-United stopper Ben Foster’s ‘Fozcast’ podcast. The Belgian explained: “I live alone here at the minute.

“I don’t really want to be home at 1 [o’clock] and doing nothing the rest of my day. We have the capabilities like a swimming pool, sauna and ice bath, we have it here, so why not take full use of it?

“So I try to take my time with it, most of the time [I’m] the last guy here, which I’m not saying it to big up myself. I know if I have children and a wife at home waiting for me, I’ll probably hurry up a little bit more.”

According to the i paper, United insiders lauded Lammens’ commitment to improving his game and his maturity despite his tender years and relative inexperience at the top level. His extra work as the first to arrive at training and the last to leave didn’t go unnoticed.

Before making the move from Royal Antwerp, Tom Lammens, the brother of the United goalkeeper, claimed Senne was subject to interest from Galatasaray. Tom admitted he was initially doubting whether a move to Manchester was best for his sibling.

Speaking to Belgian outlet Nieuwsblad, Tom said: “There’s a lot of quality, you play for trophies there [at Galatasaray], and Senne could perhaps immediately make his mark in the Champions League.

“I was initially sceptical about a move to United, because many players there had already succumbed to the pressure and couldn’t reach their full potential. But ultimately, it was Senne who had to make the decision.

“United gave him the best feeling. Partly because Tony Coton, United’s goalkeeping scout, had been following him for almost a year and was very convinced of his qualities. It would also be great if the club could return to its former glory and if Senne could contribute to that.”

England’s 2026 World Cup kits

This article contains affiliate links, we will receive a commission on any sales we generate from it. Learn more

Various Prices

England Official Store

Buy Now on England Official Store

England and Nike have launched the new home, away and goalkeeper kits to be worn at this summer’s FIFA World Cup. You can get free delivery on all orders with the code: ENGFREEDEL

Manchester United will enjoy the best part of a month away from action as players head off on international duty before the quarter-finals of the FA Cup play out in early April

Manchester United fans face almost a month without Premier League football as the March international break and the FA Cup quarter-finals play out in the coming weeks. A number of first-team players have been called up to take part in one last round of warm-up fixtures for the 2026 World Cup.

Casemiro, Matheus Cunha, Harry Maguire, Kobbie Mainoo and Amad are among the stars who have met up with their respective camps, while Diogo Dalot and Bruno Fernandes will hopefully continue to impress for their homeland. Meanwhile, Altay Bayindir has been called upon for Turkey’s World Cup qualifier against Romania on Thursday, March 26.

A win there would also see him play a part in his nation’s final qualifier against either Slovakia or Kosovo on Tuesday, March 31. As seen time and time again, international duty isn’t without its setbacks at club level – especially at such a pivotal part of the season.

Players could be hampered with injury and even fall into poor form on the world stage, having a knock-on effect when they return to their respective domestic sides. Here, the Manchester Evening News breaks down what United’s ideal international break looks like…

Harry Maguire bounces back

Having been named in Thomas Tuchel’s 35-man England squad to take on Uruguay and Japan on Friday, disaster struck for Maguire when he saw red for a rash foul on Evanilson during United’s trip to the Vitality Stadium. The Brazilian was through on goal when the centre-half dragged him to ground, with just over 10 minutes to play – gifting Eli Junior Kroupi the opportunity to equalise from the spot.

The 19-year-old did just that, as United were held to a 2-2 draw by Bournemouth on the road. The best-case scenario for Maguire during the upcoming international break would be for him to bounce straight back from the sending off at club level, and continue his otherwise impressive run of form with the Three Lions.

FOLLOW OUR MAN UNITED FB PAGE! Latest news and analysis via the MEN’s Manchester United Facebook page

The 33-year-old has been instrumental to Michael Carrick’s turnaround at Old Trafford in the second-half of the season, and hopefully he will come back inspired after England’s upcoming games. However, the crux is that Maguire will ultimately miss United’s Premier League return against Leeds come April 13 as a result of having to serve a one-match ban.

Bruno Fernandes continues his incredible form

With eight goals and 16 assists from 28 Premier League games this season, Fernandes has been in unstoppable form for United. It is therefore hoped that he carries it through to his international matches with Portugal against Mexico and the United States on March 29 and April 1 respectively.

With United currently sat third in the league standings and looking to secure Champions League football for 2026/27, a big push will be needed from the whole squad headed into their final seven games. Fernandes, as he has proven time and time again, could be the difference maker in the upcoming clashes with Leeds, Chelsea, Brentford, Liverpool, Sunderland AFC, Nottingham Forest and Brighton.

Therefore, it is hoped that he can continue to thrive at international level and come back at his best for a pivotal part of the season.

Turkey lose to Romania?

While United will undoubtedly be praying for the success of each of their stars at international level, fans would be well within their right to be a little selfish considering how vital a strong finish to the season is. Bayindir has been called up to the Turkey international squad to face Romania in a World Cup qualifier on Thursday, March 26.

The more gametime that Bayindir sees during the encounter, the more at risk he is of returning to Greater Manchester injured – especially considering the intensity both teams will be playing at as they look to make this summer’s prestigious competition.

Should Turkey fall to Romania, it also means that Bayindir will have one less game to play during the international break, considering the winner of that tie will go on to take on either Slovakia or Kosovo on March 31. That will be another high-stakes contest, in which, Bayindir will be pushed to his physical limits if given the nod to start.

While Senne Lammens has ultimately commanded his spot as United’s first-choice goalkeeper since his arrival last summer, Bayindir will likely be deployed should he return from his own international duties with Belgium with injury. The nation are set to face the United States on Saturday, March 28, before playing out a clash with Mexico on Wednesday, April 1.

It is imperative that United’s goalkeepers are not risked in the coming weeks.

All players return fit and healthy

It’s a bit of an obvious take, but the most important thing for United during this international break is that all players come back from their camps fit, healthy and ready for one last Premier League push. The impact that injuries have had on the likes of Tottenham Hotspur this season is undeniable, with the Lilywhites currently stationed 17th in the Premier League standings and caught up in a real relegation battle.

With a large chunk of Carrick’s first-team away on international duty in the coming weeks, it is vital that all return unscathed – especially with the Reds pushing for Champions League football next season. Here’s a list off all of the players away on international duty this month:

England’s 2026 World Cup kits

This article contains affiliate links, we will receive a commission on any sales we generate from it. Learn more

Various Prices

England Official Store

Buy Now on England Official Store

England and Nike have launched the new home, away and goalkeeper kits to be worn at this summer’s FIFA World Cup. You can get free delivery on all orders with the code: ENGFREEDEL

James Scanlon – Gibraltar (To play Latvia twice)

Altay Bayindir – Turkey (To play Romania and potentially either Slovakia or Romania)

Casemiro and Matheus Cunha – Brazil (To play France and Croatia)

Diego Leon – Paraguay (To play Greece and Morocco)

Harry Maguire / Kobbie Mainoo – England (To play Uruguay and Japan)

Manuel Ugarte – Uruguay (To play England and Algeria)

Noussair Mazraoui – Morocco (To play Ecuador and Morocco)

Amad – Ivory Coast (To play South Korea and Scotland)

Senne Lammens – Belgium (To play the United States and Mexico)

Diogo Dalot and Bruno Fernandes – Portugal (To play Mexico and the United States)

Sky Sports discounted Premier League and EFL package

This article contains affiliate links, we will receive a commission on any sales we generate from it. Learn more

£49

£35

Sky

Get Sky Sports here

Sky has slashed the price of its Essential TV and Sky Sports bundle for the 2025/26 season, saving £336 and offering more than 1,400 live matches across the Premier League, EFL and more.

Sky shows at least 215 live Premier League games each season, an increase of up to 100, plus Formula 1, darts, golf and more.

Senne Lammens has settled into life at Manchester United with ease and the club’s new first-choice goalkeeper has aided their upturn in form

Manchester United goalkeeper Senne Lammens has made the position his own since arriving from Royal Antwerp in the summer. The Belgian shot-stopper has already made a significant impact on many within the club.

Lammens was introduced as United’s No. 1 under Ruben Amorim and with Michael Carrick now at the helm, he has kept the role and doesn’t look like giving it up anytime soon. His side are now bona fide contenders for a Champions League place in the English top-flight.

The 23-year-old’s performances have been far less error-strewn than those of Andre Onana and Altay Bayindir between the sticks in recent seasons, and senior figures such as Sir Alex Ferguson have taken notice.

The Manchester Evening News brings you some of the many ways Lammens has adapted to life at Old Trafford, including a dressing room ban and his behind-the-scenes behaviour.

FOLLOW OUR MAN UNITED FB PAGE! Latest news and analysis via the MEN’s Manchester United Facebook page

Dressing room ban

Lammens appears to be quite a superstitious shot-stopper, as according to the Daily Mail he forbids any talk of keeping a clean sheet during the build-up to matches.

This approach has seemingly worked for the Belgian, who has already kept a handful of clean sheets for United this season, notably being named Player of the Match during their 1-0 win against Everton last month.

His former goalkeeper coach at Antwerp, Brian Vandenbussche, shed some light on his pre-match superstitions. He said: “I didn’t like it either… You jinx it.

“I know it’s superstition, but don’t do it. Senne has things he does in a specific order before his warm-up. He always wanted me to stand ready before he went out. He did a fist bump with the other two goalkeepers and with me, that was important to him.”

Sir Alex Ferguson admission

Late last year, comments made by legendary United boss Ferguson about Lammens came to light. In an interview with Raceday RTV, he described the 23-year-old as “outstanding.”

This praise worked its way back to Lammens and he told the club’s official podcast: “Yeah, I read it somewhere and at first I couldn’t really believe it to be honest.

“He is such a big name and especially at this club, so I was a little bit surprised, but it felt really, really good, to be honest. I haven’t met him yet so I’m looking forward to that as well.

“But coming from him, yeah, it’s really nice to hear as well, someone with so much experience and such a big name at this club. It’s only good to hear.”

Training ground behaviour

Accompanying this approval and Lammens’ structured matchday preparations are further reports suggesting he has captured the admiration of other staff members behind the scenes.

The i paper reports Lammens is one of the first players into training and often the last one out. This has supposedly earned him the respect of many around Carrington.

As per the report, he also undertakes extra sessions quite often, working on his distribution and other aspects of his game. Club officials are thought to be impressed by this.

Not one bad word has supposedly been said about the goalkeeper, who only cost United £18.2million when signed from Royal Antwerp last September.

Sky Sports discounted Premier League and EFL package

This article contains affiliate links, we will receive a commission on any sales we generate from it. Learn more

£49

£35

Sky

Get Sky Sports here

Sky has slashed the price of its Essential TV and Sky Sports bundle for the 2025/26 season, saving £336 and offering more than 1,400 live matches across the Premier League, EFL and more.

Sky shows at least 215 live Premier League games each season, an increase of up to 100, plus Formula 1, darts, golf and more.

Michael Carrick’s unbeaten run as Man United head coach came to an end on Wednesday as his side were beaten 2-1 by Newcastle in the Premier League.

Senne Lammens has revealed Michael Carrick warned his players at half-time that they wouldn’t have it all their own way against 10-man Newcastle, and that the longer it stayed 1-1 the more chance the home side had of snatching a win.

United looked to be heading for a disappointing 1-1 draw on Tyneside after Casemiro had equalised following Anthony Gordon’s opener for the hosts. Newcastle had to play more than half of the game with 10 men after Jacob Ramsey was sent off for a second yellow card.

But Carrick’s side didn’t even claim a point as Will Osula’s late strike gave Newcastle the win. The defeat saw United’s unbeaten run under Carrick come to an end and Lammens was asked to reflect on the performance after the game.

Get MEN Premium now for just £1 HERE – or get involved in our United WhatsApp group by clicking HERE. You can also join our United Facebook page by clicking HERE and don’t miss out on our brilliant selection of newsletters HERE.

“Yeah, it’s a really big disappointment, I think. We knew it was going to be difficult today, especially away here and the manager warned us,” he told MUTV.

“I think, in the first half, we weren’t at our best but then, heading into half-time, with a pretty good feeling after scoring that goal in the last minute. Against 10 men, we had a pretty good feeling.

“But he warned us it was not going to be easy, we had to attack them and try to break them quickly or the longer we had to wait for that, and the longer it stays 1-1, one opportunity and it can be changed. Today, that’s what happened and it’s nowhere near good enough, today, in every aspect. We have to learn from that.”

Lammens was asked to expand on what went wrong at St James’ Park, saying: “The physicality, the effort: It felt like we didn’t bring enough, not the same as they did and that’s always going to a tough one, especially with their fans behind them.

“You can have off-days, of course, but it’s a collective off-day and it’s not really possible in this league, not against these teams.”

United’s next game isn’t until a week on Sunday when they host Aston Villa, and Lammens is keen to see his teammates react in the right way and put Wednesday’s poor performance behind them.

“Today, it’s going to be a really disappointing feeling really but, like you said, we’ve got a couple of days and I think weeks, where we need to get together and think about how to react,” he added.

“Starting from tomorrow, it’s going to be like this: training, keeping the intensity together, so we can deliver in the games and react in the next game.”

Senne Lammens was voted as Manchester United’s Player of the Match on Monday evening, as the Belgian goalkeeper was imperative to the Reds’ 1-0 win over Everton in the Premier League

Harry Maguire described Senne Lammens as “top class” in the aftermath of Manchester United’s 1-0 win over Everton on Monday evening. The Reds travelled to Hill Dickinson Stadium to face the Toffees in the Premier League with hopes of keeping the pressure on the top end of the table.

Benjamin Sesko was the difference maker in the encounter, giving his team the lead 71 minutes into play in a closely-contested outing. However, it was Lammens who stole the show with a Player of the Match-worthy performance.

Not only did the shot-stopper make four saves during the match to ensure both the win and a clean sheet, but also responded incredibly well to a jam-packed six-yard box on Everton’s part – designed to shut out Lammens in collecting the ball.

As a result, the 23-year-old was awarded a coveted POTM award, with a staggering 63 per cent of United fans using the club’s official app in agreement in their voting – the next highest performer coming in the form of Sesko, who received 19 per cent of the votes.

After being described as “bloody brilliant” by David Moyes, Lammens took to social media to mark the occasion, uploading a photo carousel of him in action on his official Instagram page. And it didn’t take his team-mates long to give him his flowers, with Maguire leading the complements.

The seasoned centre-half, who has also been a revelation under Michael Carrick, said: “Top class,” in the comments section, while Matheus Cunha commented on his story: “Congrats MOTM.”

Patrick Dorgu also rushed to the comments section to share a couple of love heart-eyed emojis in a showing of adoration for his Reds colleague. Elsewhere, Carrick was quick to shower his number one goalkeeper with praise.

FOLLOW OUR MAN UNITED FB PAGE! Latest news and analysis via the MEN’s Manchester United Facebook page

When asked about if he sees similarities in Lammens and United legend, Edwin van der Sar – who was on punditry duty in-studio for Sky Sports for the match – he said: “Yeah, I’ve got to be careful to what I say here, but I know what you mean.

“I definitely see similarities yeah, without comparing them. I don’t want to be comparing them because I don’t think it’s fair to Senne.

“But there’s definitely similarities. For me, he’s a goalkeeper to be reliable, to be trustworthy and, instead of creating the chaos, you want him to take the chaos away and calm things down.

“I think Senne is that. He’s quite quiet at times and unassuming but he’s got a real steeliness. To step in, it’s a big, big role, for some. Others, we were talking there about coping and just being comfortable in your environment.

“Sometimes it takes time, sometimes not, but how he’s gone about it at the moment, that calmness, that composure does help those in front of him an awful lot.”

Asked about if the Belgian is a sign of good recruitment by the club, Carrick added: “In some ways, yeah. It’s difficult for me to talk about the past, when I’ve not been here, but, certainly, the boys who have come in recently are all playing a huge part for us, which is ideal.

“A major part is the character and the personality, that is a major attribute to have, especially playing here. Senne, the jump he’s had is a big jump, no disrespect but it’s a huge jump the one he made and to take it like he has done, and just get on with things, speaks volumes of his personality.

“He’s so able to deal with that environment and play at that level. That was a tough place that last 15 minutes, the amount of crosses and corners and things that he had to deal with, a couple of shots that he just catches and takes the sting out of it. To be able to do that in such a manner is obviously pleasing for us.”

Ensure our latest sport headlines always appear at the top of your Google Search by making us a Preferred Source. Click here to activate or add us as Preferred Source in your Google search settings.

Sky Sports discounted Premier League and EFL package

This article contains affiliate links, we will receive a commission on any sales we generate from it. Learn more

£49

£35

Sky

Get Sky Sports here

Sky has slashed the price of its Essential TV and Sky Sports bundle for the 2025/26 season, saving members £336 and offering more than 1,400 live matches across the Premier League, EFL and more.

Sky will show at least 215 live Premier League games this season, an increase of up to 100 more.

Kobbie Mainoo is producing first-class performances on second-class footballing wages – and Man United co-owner Sir Jim Ratcliffe has to address the imbalance.

14:00, 24 Feb 2026

Benjamin Sesko and Senne Lammens stole the headlines from Manchester United’s crucial win at Everton. Which is just how Kobbie Mainoo would want it. Hogging the limelight is not something the England and United midfielder has an interest in.

Having the misfortune of being managed by Ruben Amorim in a previous life might have something to do with this, considering how the Portuguese stuck him in a box for the first half of this season. But long before Amorim had arrived at Old Trafford, Mainoo had become living proof of how success doesn’t have to change someone like him.

Modest could be Mainoo’s middle name. Mainoo takes a modest approach to stardom and the ups and downs of a career, earns a modest footballing wage and even drives a modest car. One he refuses to park amongst the fleet of flash vehicles all his teammates own, choosing instead to leave it at the front of the training ground car park instead.

Try MEN Premium NOW for just £1

Mainoo would rather go to Nando’s than nightclubs – and drinks water instead of champagne. But the corks should be popping inside the head of United co-owner Sir Jim Ratcliffe. Waking him up to the realisation that thanks to interim manager Michael Carrick, the club has a wonderful footballer back in the fold.

One deserving of a new and improved contract, which reflects his importance to the future of the team. Sesko scored the winning goal at Everton and Lammens was unflappable at the opposite end, to make it five wins from six games since Carrick arrived back at Old Trafford like some sort of knight in shining armour.

But the foundations of the win were laid by Mainoo. Mainoo provided the calm to all the chaos, with an unflappable performance of simplicity and perpetual motion. He made sure United remained in control. He did the simple things well. He made sure United didn’t count the cost of Bruno Fernandes having a rare off night.

FOLLOW OUR MAN UNITED FACEBOOK PAGE! Latest news and analysis via the MEN’s Manchester United Facebook page

But Mainoo continues to produce first-class performances, while earning second-class wages. By Premier League football’s standards, anyway.

His current deal of £25,000-a-week might be saving Ratcliffe a fortune, which is something the billionaire will no doubt appreciate. But Ratcliffe should also value the long-term rewards from investing in Mainoo. He will discover how much a top-class midfielder costs this summer, when United look to strengthen in this department.

In the meantime, he should be rewarding one which is right under his nose. And if Ratcliffe has any sense, he will do so before the World Cup.

Because if Mainoo goes to North America with England and impresses, his stock will never have been higher.

Ensure our latest sport headlines always appear at the top of your Google Search by making us a Preferred Source. Click here to activate or add us as a Preferred Source in your Google search settings

Senne Lammens was named man of the match as Manchester United won 1-0 against Everton in the Premier League on Monday night.

Senne Lammens admitted it was nice to be compared to legendary Manchester United goalkeeper Edwin van der Sar after he was named man of the match in the 1-0 win against Everton.

The Belgium international made a handful of important saves and alleviated pressure by claiming aerial balls. David Moyes described Lammens as “bloody brilliant” after the full-time whistle.

Lammens was delighted as he spoke to Sky Sports. “Today was about the hard work, defending together. We know we didn’t do our best, especially first half, it was difficult,” he said. “We have to be better on the ball but if we defend well, don’t give balls away then we have the players up top to make the difference.”

FOLLOW OUR MAN UNITED FACEBOOK PAGE! Latest news and analysis via the MEN’s Manchester United Facebook page

Lammens continued: “I always want to be confident. Since the manager has come in, we have been defending well together. We know if me and the defence keep it to zero then we have a chance to win.

“Everton are a physical team, their defenders are really big. We knew the corners and set pieces would be difficult. It’s a strength of mine [dealing with crosses], but today it was a bit over the top! I had to be behind the line in order to come out. It was too much, but it can be difficult for the referee to see it.

“Sometimes you can’t be thinking too much about players around you, because then you aren’t thinking about the ball. My defenders can create space for me, so I have the opportunity to come and punch the ball away. But it is getting more and more difficult.”

When asked about the Van der Sar comparisons, he responded: “As a goalkeeper at Manchester Untied the pressure is even bigger, but I try to stay calm, play my own game, I know I have the qualities otherwise I wouldn’t be here.

“I believe in myself, my teammates support me, it was a good transition for me. I keep building and growing in confidence. If I am being compared with Edwin van der Sar, it is always nice!”

Ensure our latest sport headlines always appear at the top of your Google Search by making us a Preferred Source. Click here to activate or add us as a Preferred Source in your Google search settings

Lone goalscorer Benjamin Sesko was not the only player interim manager Michael Carrick hailed in the media after a 1-0 win over Everton in the English Premier League on Monday, but goalkeeper Senne Lammens was also appreciated.

The 23-year-old Lammens keeps growing in stature at Man United in his debut season as he made a few crucial saves against Everton, helping the club earn a third clean sheet in six games under Carrick.

“We had to do a lot of work. Credit to Everton they made it difficult, made us defend our box a lot. The spirit with which we defended the box was top class,” Carrick said after the match at the Hill Dickinson Stadium.

Carrick hails Lammens, Sesko

“Senne was oustanding tonight,” added Carrick. “You couldn’t hope for much more from a goalkeeper. It was an exempalary performance, so delighted for him.

“You want (a goalkeeper) to take the chaos away and Senne is that. That calmness and composure helps those in front of him.”

Carrick has now won five out of six matches as United’s interim coach, as the team jumped to fourth spot in the league table, three points clear of Liverpool and Chelsea.

The victory against Everton came through a Sesko goal, his sixth goal in seven appearances since Ruben Amorim was fired in January. The 22-year-old Sesko is yet to start under Carrick in six matches, but has scored from the bench in three of his last four matches.

The only goal against Everton also involved Matheus Cunha and Bryan Mbeumo. The attacking players Man United bought in last summer. It was Cunha’s pass to Mbeumo that he squared off to Sesko to score the winner.

“It was a ruthless finish, I like the way he put it away with real confidence,” said Carrick. “Great play from Matheus and Bryan to set it up. Delighted for Ben again, coming on and making the difference.”

Man United’s next match is against Crystal Palace at home on Sunday.