Senne Lammens is the best signing of Manchester United since Bruno Fernandes.

In the post-Sir Alex Ferguson era, Manchester United has been a true example of financial waste, spending nearly £2 billion on signings that have turned the iconic Old Trafford into a “Theatre of Nightmares.” With 75 players signed, only a few can be considered truly good deals. However, amidst this wave of mediocrity, one player stands out as a remarkable exception: Bruno Fernandes.

Since his arrival in 2020 from Sporting CP for an initial fee of £47 million, Fernandes has not only established himself as the best player at United but also as the heart and soul of the team. With an impressive return of 104 goals and 99 assists over six years, he quickly became a central figure, especially after taking on the captain’s armband. Undoubtedly, it is the best decision the club has made since Ferguson’s departure. But the question that arises is: who has been the best signing since Fernandes arrived?

The answer may surprise many. While many point to Bryan Mbeumo, the true standout is a modest Belgian goalkeeper, Senne Lammens, who joined the club in the same transfer window as the Cameroonian forward. Lammens, signed from Royal Antwerp for an initial fee of £18.1 million, has proven to be a real gem in goal, bringing calm and stability to a position that has haunted United since David De Gea’s departure in 2023.

Initially planned to be the backup for Andre Onana and Altay Bayindir, Lammens saw his opportunity arise sooner than expected, following Onana’s loan to Trabzonspor and the errors of the Turkish Bayindir. Since then, the 1.93m goalkeeper has not looked back, demonstrating impressive skill that inspires confidence in the defense, unlike his predecessors, who spread panic on the field. The recent 1-0 victory over Everton was a true showcase of how a goalkeeper should handle pressure, leading Everton manager David Moyes to describe him as “incredibly brilliant.”

In addition to his on-field skills, Lammens’ personality has also been praised. He is described as a humble and approachable player, in contrast to the arrogance of Onana, who often put himself under pressure. These factors are crucial to understanding why Lammens is considered the best signing by United since Fernandes, regardless of how many goals Mbeumo may score this season.

Edwin van der Sar, the legendary goalkeeper for United, stated that being number one at Old Trafford is the “hardest job in football,” and interestingly, Lammens, at just 23 years old and without experience in top leagues, has adapted to the challenge as if he were destined for it. In comparison, Onana, who arrived for £47.2 million after shining in the Champions League final, was unable to withstand the pressure.

Moreover, the investment in Lammens is a true find in terms of cost-effectiveness, with an initial fee of £18.1 million, plus £3.5 million in bonuses, making it one of the best deals of the season in the Premier League. For comparison, Aston Villa was asking for £40 million for Emiliano Martinez, a 33-year-old goalkeeper, while Lammens earns around £60,000 per week, making him one of the most affordable players in the ‘big six’ of the Premier League.

The age difference between Lammens and Martinez is not just numerical; it is a matter of potential. Lammens is just at the beginning of his career, and with his already impressive performances, he promises to evolve even further. Goalkeepers typically reach their peak later than outfield players, and his calm and grounded performances suggest a bright future ahead.

Finally, while Mbeumo may be in the spotlight due to the number of goals, it is undeniable that Lammens represents a significant shift in the balance of Manchester United’s recruitment. The team’s ability to prioritize advice from the recruitment team, rather than following the coach’s intuition, has proven to be a wise decision that is turning out to be crucial. In the current landscape of Manchester United, where pressure and expectations are extremely high, Lammens is not just a good signing; he is a true find, worthy of being placed alongside Bruno Fernandes on the list of the best acquisitions of the post-Ferguson era.