£18.2m Man United man earns national call-up, eyes int'L debut next weekend
Manchester United summer signing Senne Lammens has earned a call-up to the Belgium senior squad for the upcoming World Cup qualifiers.
The Red Devils will host North Macedonia in Ghent on 10th October before travelling to Cardiff to take on Wales three days later.
Lammens will fight with Thibaut Courtois for the spot between the sticks.
National coach Rudi Garcia has shown faith in the 23-year-old, who will be under pressure to seize his chance if handed a debut.
The towering keeper has represented Belgium at U21 level but has yet to win his first senior cap.
Belgium have made a strong start to qualifying, collecting 10 points from their opening four games.
They have been ruthless in attack, scoring 17 goals, though they were held to a 1-1 draw by North Macedonia back in June.
Courtois and Matz Sels have shared goalkeeping duties so far, but Lammens is hoping this window finally brings his long-awaited breakthrough.
It could be a big week for the young goalkeeper who joined United from Royal Antwerp for a fee of £18.2 million.
There is high pressure on United head coach Ruben Amorim to start Lammens after sub-par performances from Altay Bayindir.
The Premier League giants face Sunderland tomorrow, and Lammens could be handed his first appearance in a United shirt.
In Belgium, he is regarded as the natural heir to Courtois’ throne and a key part of the national team’s future.
He had a fantastic save percentage of 77% last campaign for Royal Antwerp, much higher than what Andre Onana and Bayindir recorded at Old Trafford.
Since the departure of David de Gea, United have been crying out for a reliable presence in goal.
The fans will be hoping Lammens can finally bring stability to one of the club’s most problematic positions.
Stats from Fotmob.com & Transfermarkt.com
Article written by Sanidhya Bhardwaj .