Man United star has potential to become ‘best in the world’ after impressive performances

Manchester United’s recruitment approach has transformed in the post-Sir Jim Ratcliffe era. Rather than stockpiling fading icons, the club is now banking on youth, trajectory and long-term value. It is a bold move that demands patience, particularly from a fanbase raised on instant gratification. Yet every strategy needs a figurehead and Senne Lammens might just become the emblem of this supposed new dawn.

At 23 years old, goalkeepers are generally apprentices rather than leaders. Senne Lammens defied that expectation on his Manchester United debut against Sunderland, keeping a clean sheet and immediately sparking debate over whether the shirt should now be his to lose.

His former coach at Club Brugge, Hayk Milkon, was neither shocked nor cautious in his assessment. As reported by TEAMtalk : “I was not surprised when I saw Manchester United had come calling. And to record his first clean sheet, I was really happy for him,” he said. “Senne is a potential No.1 for the Red Devils [and] the Belgium national team.”

Coaches tend to speak warmly of their former players. They do not often speak this boldly. Milkon doubled down: “I believe he has all the capabilities to become the best in the world, so I wish him all the best.”

That kind of prediction carries weight, especially from someone who helped shape the early foundations of his game.

Photo: IMAGO

The suggestion that Lammens could soon dethrone Thibaut Courtois is audacious on paper. Courtois is the most-capped goalkeeper in Belgium’s history and widely considered among the finest of his generation.

Milkon is unmoved by reputation. “Hopefully he will be Belgium’s first-choice goalkeeper soon,” he said. “I believe he has the potential, the skillset and the personality to do that.”

Personality is increasingly vital for modern goalkeepers. Command, resilience and decision-making often define elite stoppers more than reflex saves. If Lammens has that presence, his development curve could accelerate quickly in the Premier League spotlight.

If Manchester United want to gauge how far their young goalkeeper can go, there is no fiercer testing ground than Anfield. Liverpool await in front of a restless Kop and the expectation is that Lammens will be busy.

Should he stand firm, United supporters will start whispering in hope. Should he shine, they will roar in conviction.

One more from Milkon captures the essence of this belief: “I’m sure he will have a very good career in England, and Manchester United should return to the big club they used to be. He will have a positive impact on that, for sure.”

Manchester United have been burnt before by early hype, particularly in goalkeeper succession. Yet this feels different. Lammens is not arriving as a superstar, nor a stop-gap. He is arriving as a project with purpose.

United need their rebuild to produce leaders, not placeholders. If Senne Lammens becomes that, Ratcliffe’s vision gains its first true symbol.

For Manchester United fans, this feels like the kind of signing we have been crying out for. Not another superstar on his way down, but a player ready to rise with the club. Hearing his former coach claim he could become the best in the world is exactly the kind of optimism supporters want to cling to. We know not every young player will make it, but we would rather gamble on potential than watch another ageing star coast through their final contract.

If Lammens walks into Anfield this weekend and delivers even a handful of big saves, fans will latch onto him instantly. Old Trafford has not had a true cult hero in goal since prime David de Gea. André Onana still divides opinion, so there is room for someone to seize that role.

Most United fans just want players who care, fight and grow with the badge. If Lammens has the personality Milkon speaks of, he could become that figurehead. No one is asking him to be world-class tomorrow, but if he shows hunger and heart, the Stretford End will back him all the way.