Manchester United’s final game before the international break, a 2-0 win against Sunderland, ensured Ruben Amorim could rest easy for two weeks, but Troy Deeney was amazed at what happened.
The 2-0 win against Sunderland was Man Utd’s first game this season where they looked comfortable in both phases of the game.
Two early goals set the tone for a stout defensive display in the second half, leading to a no-fuss win, something that can’t be said for many United wins under Ruben Amorim.
During the game, Troy Deeney said he noticed Man Utd fans do something he’s never seen before in his life. It summed up the current sentiment at Old Trafford.
Troy Deeney amazed at Man Utd fans
United fans have always been regarded as the beacon of loyalty, especially when it comes to backing the players and the manager through thick and thin.
Fans of no other elite club would throw their support behind the manager to this extent when his record speaks for itself.
However, that is not what surprised Deeney against Sunderland, since United were winning, so the mood was upbeat anyway.
What was surprising to him was what the fans did once Senne Lammens, on for his Man Utd debut, claimed a high cross.
Deeney said: “I need to say this, I have never in my 37 years of living ever seen a goalkeeper get a standing ovation for coming to claim a cross. That really speaks to what they had previously. How bad it’s been.
“Yeah. And I get it from Man United fans, but like that’s how low the bar is now. It’s frightening. It’s frightening. Genuinely, it’s frightening.”
Senne Lammens is walking into a great situation
The Deeney comments sum up why Senne Lammens is walking into a great situation from a personal point of view, even if it’s not ideal from the club’s perspective.
Andre Onana replaced a club legend, even if he was on the decline, while Altay Bayindir’s qualities were never good enough to be No. 1.
Lammens, on the other hand, is taking over when the fan expectations from the goalkeeper are lower than they have ever been.
A player thrives as much on confidence as he does on ability. Just ask the numerous players who have failed at United and thrived elsewhere.
From that perspective, Lammens will constantly get positive reinforcement even when he does the bare minimum, because the players he replaced weren’t even doing that.
It will directly feed into a positive loop where he will feel empowered to do even better because he’s getting praised.
Even his mistakes will be forgiven because it’s clear he’s a long-term project, much like David de Gea was when he arrived.
United would love the day when Lammens claiming a high ball isn’t an earth-shattering event. In the meantime, Lammens can raise the bar himself by playing well.
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