Manchester United legend Rio Ferdinand has made a bold prediction about the club's new goalkeeper, declaring that summer signing Senne Lammens can be their number one for the next ten years.
A Solid Start for the Belgian
The 23-year-old Belgian completed an initial £18 million move from Royal Antwerp in the final stages of the summer transfer window. His arrival raised eyebrows, given he had made only 52 appearances in the Belgian Pro League before his switch to the Premier League.
Questions were asked about his readiness to immediately become United's first-choice. However, Lammens has answered his critics with a series of assured performances, culminating in another solid display in United's 1-0 victory over Newcastle United at Old Trafford on Boxing Day.
Ferdinand's Decade-Long Endorsement
Watching the match during a live YouTube broadcast, Ferdinand was effusive in his praise for the young shot-stopper. "Do you know what, Lammens is a solid addition to this squad," Ferdinand stated.
He went even further, adding: "He's going to be Manchester United's keeper for the next ten years, no doubt." Ferdinand highlighted the goalkeeper's reliability, describing him as "as solid as a rock" and praising his decision-making, particularly his command of the six-yard box in the closing stages against Newcastle.
'Boring' But Brilliant
In a characteristically frank assessment, the former England defender even joked about Lammens' personality, suggesting he brings a calm, unflashy demeanour to the role.
"I bet he's a boring fella," Ferdinand quipped. "No disrespect, most goalkeepers aren't [the life of the party] anyway. But when you get to the football pitch you'd be going, 'you know what, I hope he's behind me'. He looks like one of those."
Ferdinand emphasised that this consistency is exactly what United's defence has been craving. "We've been searching for a consistent goalkeeper, someone you know where they're going to be when you look around," he explained, noting how Lammens' presence "takes the pressure off the back four."
For Ferdinand, the Boxing Day performance was further proof that Manchester United may have finally solved a problematic position, securing a goalkeeper who can provide stability for the long-term future.
