Senne Lammens has admitted he has endured "difficult weeks" at Manchester United, while trying to block out criticism from Roy Keane and Ashley Young. The club are enduring their worst start to a season in 40 years, sitting 18th in the Premier League on eight points after winning just one of their opening 10 matches.
Carrick sacked, Pochettino appointed
That poor form cost Michael Carrick his job, with the board sacking him on Thursday morning a matter of months into the two-year deal he signed this summer. During the November international break, Sir Jim Ratcliffe, Jason Wilcox and Omar Berrada have quickly appointed Mauricio Pochettino as his successor.
Lammens' suitability at Premier League level came under scrutiny after Sunday's 4-4 draw with Aston Villa. The goalkeeper was partly at fault for the first two goals conceded within four minutes, scored by Alysson and Nicolas Jackson.
Legends criticise goalkeeper
Several United legends pointed the finger at the Belgian after the match. Young said: "He hasn't been the same since that mistake at the World Cup," while Keane added: "The goalkeeper needs to do better. Lammens has cost Man United points on several occasions in recent weeks. Few keepers at United have bounced back after such a performance."
Lammens has been unable to keep a single clean sheet this season. The 24-year-old has now opened up on the "difficult" start to 2026/27, having enjoyed an impressive season last term.
Lammens responds on international duty
He said: "I try to remain stoic. I avoid as much as possible everything that is said and written, but given the situation Manchester United is in, that is not always easy. They have been difficult weeks. I won't lie. Keeping a distance and putting things into perspective is not always easy. Am I happy that I could show myself to England? I am mainly happy that I could show myself to Belgium."
Lammens is currently on international duty with Belgium, playing a major part in the 2-1 win over Turkey in the Nations League on Thursday evening. His attention will now turn to Belgium's final group-stage clash with Italy on Sunday, November 15, before returning to United to work with Pochettino. A clash with Liverpool awaits on Sunday, November 22 at Anfield, where Pochettino will be desperate to reverse United's fortunes.
