Senne Lammens names the veteran who has helped him settle at Manchester United

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New No 1 tells Ben Foster that Tom Heaton is the “easy answer” for the dressing-room figure who has helped him settle at Old Trafford

Manchester United’s summer signing Senne Lammens has lifted the lid on the influence behind his strong start under Ruben Amorim. Since arriving from Royal Antwerp on deadline day, the 23-year-old goalkeeper has quickly established himself as United’s new No 1, making six appearances and keeping one clean sheet in the 2025–26 season.

With Andre Onana loaned out to Trabzonspor and Altay Bayindir now a clear backup option, Lammens has become central to United’s rebuild. But beneath his performances on the pitch, the Belgian shot-stopper credits a key figure in the Old Trafford dressing room for helping him adapt to Premier League life.

Lammens says Tom Heaton is the “easy answer” as Man Utd’s locker-room leader

Speaking on the club’s Inside Carrington podcast, Lammens highlighted veteran goalkeeper Tom Heaton — who turns 40 in a few months — as a crucial presence. “I tell him every day… he’s going to turn 40 in a couple of months!” Lammens joked, before praising Heaton’s professionalism, character and experience.

“I think Tom Heaton is an easy answer for that one. Just the type of human he is with also the experience and just [him] making me feel at home as well,” he explained. Lammens added that the entire goalkeeper group, including Bayindir, has created a welcoming, supportive and competitive environment that has eased his transition into the squad.

Inside United’s goalkeeping dynamic under Ruben Amorim

Heaton, who signed a new contract in the summer, is widely respected at Manchester United and has brought calm leadership since returning to the club in 2021. Lammens emphasised that despite all three goalkeepers competing for the same role, the dynamic remains “really friendly” and focused on collective improvement.

“Sometimes you could have it, especially in big clubs, where because you all have the same job, you want to be playing,” he said. “But still, there’s a really good connection. It’s a really friendly group and we just want to make each other better. So that was also really important for me at the beginning.”

With Lammens expected to start against Crystal Palace at Selhurst Park on Sunday, his relationship with United’s veteran keeper looks set to remain a cornerstone of his development in the months ahead.