Sené Lammens: Manchester United defender on being ‘a normal guy’ and living life in the Premier League

Moyes’ assessment came partly because of an attractive save by Lammens to deny Michael Keane’s long-range effort, which was headed into the top corner at the Hill Dickinson Stadium.

But this was mainly down to the £18.1 million summer signing from Royal Antwerp’s plain manner of consistently firing corners into his six-yard box.

The trust that exists between Lammens and his defenders is clear – and the confidence of United’s supporters is growing too.

“The first thing you have to do as a goaltender is defend,” says Lammens. “But I take a lot of pride in doing other things well.

“It might not always be a box-office thing, but if you know even a little bit about goalkeeping, it’s just as important for your teammates to trust you and help the team.”

Former United keeper Edwin van der Sar offered a positive assessment of Lammens’ abilities on Sky Sports on Monday.

Current Belgian number one Thibaut Courtois also had a lot to say about his compatriot.

But, when Lammens was asked about his role model, he looked to Germany.

“My biggest idol was probably Manuel Neuer,” he said.

“I pride myself on being an all-round goalkeeper. That’s why I was such a big fan of his. Everything he did was the best.

United’s goalkeeping scout Tony Cotton pushed for Lammens’ signature against the wishes of Rubén Amorim, who wanted to bring in World Cup winner Emí Martínez from Aston Villa.

This was a very big call. So far it has been justified.

This decision has provided Lammens with valuable guidance on how to avoid chasing the game.

United’s third-choice goalkeeper, the experienced Tom Heaton, has been of great help, giving Lammens useful advice about not trying to chase the game.

Moyes was surprised by how United’s new number one dealt with Everton’s bombing of corners, which some criticised – but Lammens considered it to be part of the game.

“I’ve always been told that England is the best league, but the physicality is the biggest difference,” he said. “This has always been my strength, even in Belgium.

“There are more bodies in front of you now. You have to be bigger and not be pushed around easily. My physical characteristics are positive for those situations. In training, you have to imagine these things and all the bodies you’re trying to navigate.

“I enjoy pushing myself beyond my comfort zone, even though it might not be too much.”

Away from Carrington, Lammens prefers to stay away from the high-pressure environment of top-flight football. He is more likely to be found watching basketball than Premier League games on TV.

However, the Belgian has solidified his position at United. Altay Bayindir will not be replacing him anytime soon and the idea that Andre Onana can return from his loan spell in Türkiye to regain the number one role is fanciful.

However, Lammens, perhaps predictably, remains humble.

“I said a couple of weeks ago that I couldn’t imagine it getting any better than this, but I don’t want to look too far into the past,” he says.

“I mean, it’s great, but I still have to prove myself every week. I’m not satisfied with it. I’m glad it went well, but it’s not the end.”