Bruno Fernandes celebrated his record-equalling 20th assist of the Premier League season, and his celebration saw a potential successor emerge.
In a game that was full of madness, especially in the second half, Man Utd emerged 3-2 winners against Nottingham Forest.
Bruno Fernandes assisted Bryan Mbeumo’s goal, which turned out to be the winner, and it was a history-making assist that put him joint-top of PL rankings with 20 assists.
What ensued after the goal saw Fernandes celebrate with someone who could eventually take over from him as Man Utd captain.
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Senne Lammens’ emergence as a potential Man Utd captain
It spoke volumes about how much Fernandes wanted that assist because as soon as Mbeumo scored, the players ran towards Fernandes instead.
He was mobbed by every outfield player near the Nottingham Forest goal before the clock ticked on and Senne Lammens appeared on the scene.
He had run all the way from his own goal to the other end of the pitch and back to congratulate Fernandes on equalling history, with a chance of rewriting it against Brighton.
Lammens is usually not one for big celebrations as he is extremely unflappable, which is what gave weight to this moment.
His desire to be present for his teammate during one of his biggest moments hammered home the Belgian’s emergence as a potential Man Utd captain.
It is not the first time he has shown leader-like traits, having been a presence at the academy games to set the tone and commanding his box with confidence.
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The likes of Fernandes, Dalot, Heaton, and Martinez were in Amorim’s leadership group as well, but Cunha, Mbeumo, and Lammens have come in and found their place in the setup as well.
Lammens’ case is particularly impressive because of his age, transfer fee, and pedigree before joining the club.
Another such window in the summer would position United nicely for an eventual title challenge as the core of the team comes to the fore.
Lammens has become a part of that core as a potential leader sooner than anyone could have expected.
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