Goalkeeping coach Eric Steele has dropped his two cents on why Senne Lammens is showing shades of Manchester United legend Edwin van der Sar in certain ways.
Eric Steele worked closely with Edwin van der Sar after Sir Alex Ferguson added the experienced shot-stopping coach to his Red Devils backroom staff at Old Trafford.
The difference between Andre Onana and Senne Lammens’ start at Man Utd is HUGE
Why did we keep Andre Onana so long?!
The 71-year-old former Manchester United coach was a pivotal figure in the final period of Sir Alex Ferguson’s legendary reign at the Premier League club.
Steele witnessed first-hand Van der Sar’s brilliance between the sticks before helping to shape David de Gea as the 55-year-old United legend’s long-term successor.
Van der Sar helped iconic ex-United manager Ferguson to fill the void left behind by Peter Schmeichel after a period of chopping and changing between the sticks.
What Eric Steele has found between Edwin van der Sar and Man Utd summer signing Senne Lammens
Edwin van der Sar lifted four Premier League titles, a Champions League trophy and two League Cups during his illustrious time under Sir Alex Ferguson at Old Trafford.
The Dutchman’s career finally came to an end in 2011, with Van der Sar signing off his Manchester United spell with his fourth Premier League winners’ medal.
Speaking on The Athletic’s Talk of the Devils podcast, Eric Steele agreed with United We Stand editor Andy Mitten about United legend Van der Sar and Senne Lammens.
Where would YOU rank Senne Lammens right now in a top 10 of world goalkeepers?
Can he be number one in the future?
He explained why he could see shades of Van der Sar in Lammens and how United’s current No 1 was benefiting from working with key first-team coach Craig Mawson.
“Which is what again we’re back to it,” Steele said.
“Edwin van der Sar, calmest man on the field. This guy [Lammens] reminds me a little bit [of him].
“I’m not sure in terms of his in-possession work, but in terms of what Andy [Mitten] was asking, I think it’s right. He’s been able to fine-tune his game now with working with Craig [Mawson], but then also seeing the Premier League, seeing the games.”
READ MORE: Bruno Fernandes’ communication skills make him the perfect Man Utd captain for the modern era
Eric Steele on the major benefit that Man Utd No 1 Senne Lammens has received at Old Trafford so far
Lammens arrived on deadline day in 2025 and the 23-year-old Belgian shot-stopper ascended to the Man Utd No 1 role under Ruben Amorim in the 2025-26 season.
The Belgium international has been an assuring presence for United fans and Steele feels that Lammens has benefited from the time he has had to integrate himself.
Is Senne Lammens actually Manchester United’s best signing of the season?
Senne Lammens is flying under the radar for all the right reasons at Manchester United
Steele continued on the show: “If you’re viewing them, you’re going to say, ‘I tell you what, when I go in now, I’m going to make sure I’m on my front foot ‘cause that ball, they’ve got pace in the team. I’m going to make sure I’m on my front foot. I’m not going to be sitting back in the 18-yard box. I need to be on my front foot so I can intercept whatever.’
“Study the set plays, have a look at the set plays because at the moment it’s a huge part of the game defending them. So yeah, I think Andy’s right. I think the time has helped him.”
United agreed to pay an initial fee of £18.1m and add-ons to bring Lammens to the Premier League from Belgian Pro League side Royal Antwerp last September.
Receive a digest of our best United content each week direct to your mailbox
