Man Utd goalkeeper Senne Lammens has made an impressive impact at Old Trafford, but he is about to face competition.

Lammens is enjoying an underrated first season.(Image: 2026 James Gill – Danehouse)

Senne Lammens was pictured alongside his partner leaving The Ivy in Spinningfields after beating Fulham. The understated Lammens almost looked embarrassed to be photographed by the paparazzi.

Lammens is having an underrated debut season in Manchester. The goalkeeper has brought calm and stability, transmitting confidence when his predecessors had made Old Trafford uneasy.

The 23-year-old made his debut in the 2-0 win against Sunderland in October, and fans celebrated Lammens claiming a cross into the box like a goal. That reaction was a statement from matchgoers, who had become exhausted watching Andre Onana, and then Altay Bayindir.

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The bar was low for Lammens to make a strong impression, but the ease with which he’s adapted to the Premier League, having come from the Belgian top-flight, has been impressive. There have been times when Lammens should have done better. Danny Welbeck’s free-kick for Brighton in October and Kieran Dewsbury’s goal for Everton in November were both saveable, but that is nitpicking. There have been no major errors, no blunders that have cost United a game.

Lammens consistently delivers 7/10 performances, with the odd excellent display chucked in for good measure. The Belgian’s demeanour has helped him remain unfazed in one of the most scrutinised No.1 roles in the world. He was happy to speak in the mixed zone after the win over Liverpool at Anfield, and he spoke again after the victory at Arsenal. On both occasions, he took the initiative to speak to reporters.

Some players ignore requests for a chat as they leave grounds on matchdays, which is their prerogative, but Lammens has thought ‘why not’ after two big wins. He seems like a good egg, someone impossible not to get along with.

“I try to keep my best friends and family close. The rest is a bit like outside noise. It’s all praise, I know, and I’m realistic, if it does not go so well, it will be all bad commentary,” he reflected at Anfield.

The ability to remain level-headed after wins and defeats is a common trait shared by the most successful professionals. Lammens celebrated the Liverpool win by spending the evening with a close friend.

It’s been a breath of fresh air to have a reliable goalkeeper between the sticks. Lammens was a data-driven signing, and the data boffins in Michael Sansoni’s department will be delighted with his start at United.

Gyoekeres takes a shot against Lammens.(Image: 2026 Getty Images)

But United have another goalkeeper on the books who is ready to challenge Lammens. Radek Vitek is enjoying a wonderful season on loan in the Championship, where United send young players who they believe have potential to feature for the first-team.

Vitek is thriving with Bristol City and he made a save of the season contender against Ipswich Town last month, instinctively stretching a hand to tip the ball over the crossbar when he was on the ground.

Vitek’s highlights reel will be worth a watch at the end of the campaign. He’s produced a handful of top saves, but he’s not just stopping shots for the cameras – he’s delivering consistently.

United are delighted with how Vitek’s loan spell at Ashton Gate is unfolding. He has made 25 starts in the Championship – he missed five games due to a small knee injury – and looks destined for bigger things.

In November, Vitek said: “It would be a dream to play for Manchester United, but I will take it game by game, and I know there’s a big challenge in front of me, but I want to improve every week.”

Vitek delivered a man-of-the-match performance in United’s opening pre-season friendly against Rosenborg in 2024, but he didn’t join last summer’s tour of the United States because he was due to leave on loan.

It would be a surprise if Vitek isn’t assessed in pre-season this summer. Lammens has made a superb impact, but Vitek has earned the opportunity to be considered to challenge for the No.1 role.

Vitek is ready for another step up.(Image: 2025 CameraSport)

How United’s goalkeeper situation will develop remains to be seen. Vitek would be a superb second choice and great competition for Lammens, but would a talented 22-year-old settle for a No.2 role? It seems unlikely. Vitek will be hungry to play every week after such a successful loan spell.

He’s had previous loan spells with Accrington Stanley and FC Blau-Weiß Linz, so it would be a shock for him to be happy to play in cup competitions for United, with a view to challenging Lammens.

The Czech knows what it’s like to fight for points each week and won’t be short of interest from Europe in the summer. He will feel he can succeed elsewhere if he’s seen a No.2 in Manchester.

“I speak on a regular basis with my goalkeeper coach from Manchester United who has come here to watch my games and I have a good connection with them,” Vitek said a few months ago.

“I know they’re watching me and I really appreciate that I’m not just the guy who is being forgotten or anything. Obviously long term, I would love to play for Manchester United one day, but also I’m realistic and I know that my pathway can lead somewhere different as well.”

Vitek’s challenge for the No.1 role may be short-lived, but United are in a strong position with their goalkeeper choice this summer. That couldn’t be said at the start of last summer with Onana and Bayindir.