Senne Lammens can take inspiration from David de Gea following his costly howler at the World Cup, which consequently led to Belgium’s elimination in the quarter-finals.
When Thibaut Courtois suffered a muscular injury against Spain on Friday night, Manchester United stopper Senne Lammens made his World Cup debut, coming on as a substitute in the 71st minute.
Unfortunately for Lammens, his performance ended in disappointment after failing to deal with a long-range strike from Pau Cubarsi, leading to Mikel Merino pouncing to finish an 88-minute winner for Spain.
Belgium’s run at the 2026 World Cup comes to an end, with Lammens given time to get over his calamity and recharge his batteries before returning to United for pre-season.
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Senne Lammens can take inspiration from David de Gea
Courtois was quick to show his support for Lammens after the defeat against Spain, which will be appreciated by United fans who won’t want to see their Belgian goalkeeper piled on.
The 34-year-old goalkeeper reminded Lammens that he is a ‘great goalkeeper’ during a post-match interview and backed him to have a great season at United.
“I gave him a big hug,” Courtois said, as quoted by Reuters.
“He’s a great goalkeeper. You only get stronger from this.
“Eventually you cannot say much more to him or give him much more advice. He is a strong guy, strong personality. I’m sure he’ll be fine.
“Eventually, you cannot say much more to him or give him much more advice. He is a strong guy, strong personality. I’m sure he’ll be fine.
“You know, he will have some holidays and then regroup in Manchester and have a great season.”
While Lammens has received the support of one of the best goalkeepers, he can also take inspiration from a former United stopper, who had to bounce back from multiple setbacks and criticism after his move to Old Trafford.
Look no further than David de Gea.
When De Gea arrived in 2011, aged 20, the goalkeeper jersey looked miles too big for him, swinging from his shoulders like a nightgown.
Unlike Lammens, De Gea had a difficult first six months at Old Trafford, with many pundits and journalists stressing he wasn’t physically built for the Premier League.
De Gea made plenty of high-profile blunders, but Sir Alex Ferguson was always supportive of his keeper, often stressing that the Spaniard was in the midst of a learning process.
Though there was a time when Anders Lindegaard had a case for playing ahead of De Gea, the former Spain international didn’t let these setbacks and hurdles disrupt his career or development.
De Gea spent 12 years at United, and there was a period when he was recognised as Europe’s best goalkeeper. He did that by showing incredible resilience.
Now, Lammens finds himself needing to bounce back. He will get plenty of support to do that at Old Trafford but can take inspiration from De Gea.
- ⚡️ NEWS IN BRIEF
- Senne Lammens made a costly mistake in Belgium’s 2-1 defeat against Spain
- Belgium are now out of the 2026 World Cup
- Thibaut Courtois is backing Lammens to bounce back from his World Cup blunder
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De Gea previously told the Manchester Evening News he considered returning to Spain over criticism of his early performances at United.
“I think that experience at the start at United has helped me be the player and man I am now. When you have bad moments, you have to improve. You have to become stronger to deal with it, and I believe I have become stronger. I am a much better goalkeeper now.
“It was difficult when you get a lot of criticism like I did.
“But I kept strong, and I always tried to remain positive. I loved training. It was a great pleasure, so I just did my work and worked through it.
“Those early days were difficult for me and my family. But when you play for a big club like Manchester United, it is normal when you don’t play well.
“I am glad it happened in some ways because the criticism makes you stronger.
“A goalkeeper is a difficult position, and you make mistakes. It is normal. But you have to be strong in your mind to get through it all and get better.
“I think I am playing the best football of my career. I have been here for three years, and in the beginning, it was difficult. Now I am ready for everything.”
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