What has ‘really shocked’ Ben Foster about Senne Lammens joining Man United

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Senne Lammens joined Manchester United from Royal Antwerp in the summer transfer window, but one part of the move has left former Red Devils goalkeeper Ben Foster somewhat surprised.

Lammens has made a strong start at Old Trafford, keeping a clean sheet on his debut against Sunderland – a performance that left fans encouraged after some uncertainty in the goalkeeper position.

Andre Onana and Altay Bayindir had not been the long-term solution for Manchester United, which led the club to secure the signature of the 23-year-old Belgian.

But the transfer very nearly didn’t happen, and pundits are still trying to understand the decision.

Ben Foster shocked Man Utd chose Lammens over Martinez and Donnarumma

Speaking on talkSPORT, Ben Foster expressed his surprise that United chose Senne Lammens over more experienced options like Emi Martinez or Gianluigi Donnarumma.

“Were you shocked that they didn’t sign Martinez when it looked like they were certain to?” Foster was asked.

He replied: “Really shocked Jeff, I really was. I thought it was an absolute no-brainer. An absolute no-brainer.

“Even Gigi Donnarumma, I thought it’s a no-brainer. Just get it done. You need that guy and then once you’ve got him, you might have to pay over the odds for them, you might have to pay a heavy wage, but then that position is settled.”

United were seemingly never in the race for Donnarumma, but a move for the World Cup winner was a real possibility. Martinez was “waiting for a call” from United on transfer deadline day.

The Argentine, of course, stayed at Aston Villa, while Donnarumma moved to Manchester City and has started his tenure strongly.

How Senne Lammens compares to Emi Martinez and Gianluigi Donnarumma

While Foster’s claim reflects the experience of Martinez and Donnarumma, Lammens has begun his career at Manchester United and elsewhere on a promising note. Here’s a career comparison of the three goalkeepers:

United are keen on signing another goalkeeper in the future, but for now, they are placing their faith in the 6’4″ Belgian.

The Red Devils face Liverpool this Sunday, where Lammens will experience his first away fixture for United – a true baptism of fire.