Senne Lammens has admitted his confidence has taken a knock amid some "difficult weeks" at Manchester United as he tries to block criticism from club legends. The admission comes during the club's worst start to a season for more than 40 years, with numerous players struggling for form.
Lammens, who looked assured last season following his move from Royal Antwerp, has faced questions about his suitability for Premier League football after Sunday's 4-4 draw with Aston Villa, when he was called into question for both goals inside the first four minutes. The 24-year-old has not managed a clean sheet this season.
Legend criticism and confidence struggles
Several United legends have raised concerns about Lammens, suggesting he has not been the same player since a costly mistake in Belgium's World Cup quarter-final defeat to Spain, when he came on as a second-half substitute for the injured Thibaut Courtois.
Speaking on Sky Sports, former United winger Ashley Young said: "He hasn't been the same since that mistake at the World Cup." Roy 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."
Addressing the challenges he has faced, Lammens told Het Nieuwsblad: "I try to remain stoic. I avoid everything that is said and written as much as possible, but that’s not always possible because of the situation at United. It's been a difficult few weeks, I'm not gonna lie."
International relief and future plans
Lammens, currently with the Belgium squad, hinted he feels more comfortable on international duty than with United. He added: "Keeping your distance and relativising is not always obvious. Am I glad to show myself to England? I'm especially happy to show myself to Belgium. I'm coming home a little bit. I know all the players well, the system. It helps to boost self-confidence after difficult weeks at United."
Lammens played a key role in Belgium's 2-1 victory over Turkey in the Nations League on Thursday. His focus will now shift to the final group match against Italy on Sunday, before heading back to United to work with new head coach Mauricio Pochettino.
Lammens has assumed the role of Belgium's number one after Courtois, 34, decided to take a break from international duty. The Real Madrid stopper has stressed that he has not retired from playing for his country but has been told by head coach Mark van Bommel that he is not guaranteed a starting spot, potentially good news for Lammens.
