Manchester United goalkeeper Senne Lammens is set to start in net when his team travels to face Newcastle United, according to reports.
The 23-year-old Belgian international joined Manchester United in September 2025, and has made 22 appearances for the club so far. Lammens previously played for Club NXT, Club Brugge, Young Reds Antwerp, and Royal Antwerp. He began his youth career with KRC Bambrugge, Dender, and Club Brugge.
Lammens made his senior international debut for Belgium in November 2025, and has one cap for the national team. He also has extensive experience at the youth international level, having represented Belgium from the U15 through U21 levels.
The upcoming match against Newcastle comes amid a wider discussion about set-piece tactics in English football. Some clubs, like Union, are reportedly implementing “dead-ball phase bonuses” to incentivize success on corner kicks and free kicks. This trend is sparking debate about whether the physicality of English football is beginning to resemble rugby, particularly regarding defending set pieces.
Manchester United’s coaching staff, including Carrick, have voiced concerns about the increasing physicality of the game and are advocating for changes to protect players. Carrick has spoken out, stating, “It goes too far.”
The Premier League is currently grappling with an influx of “rugby-style” goals scored directly from corner kicks, prompting discussions about potential solutions to address the issue. This comes as teams look for any advantage in a tightly contested league.
