Lammens faces thankless test as United keeper becomes Belgium’s No 1

Senne Lammens has been handed a rare opportunity to start for the Belgium national team in the Nations League, but the same chance comes with a thank‑you‑free assignment as the Manchester United goalkeeper temporarily becomes the country’s number one.

Courtois’ temporary withdrawal opens the door

Thibaut Courtois has stepped back from international duty, leaving the Real Madrid stopper out of the Nations League campaign. The Belgian Football Association has therefore promoted United’s Lammens to the senior squad, making him the de‑facto first‑choice keeper for Belgium.

Courtois, who has amassed 115 caps, has not ended his international career but is planning a return ahead of the European Championship qualifiers. His absence means every save Lammens makes will be measured against the benchmark set by the iconic Belgian goalkeeper.

United’s own scrutiny adds pressure

At Manchester United, Lammens has already attracted attention. Against Fulham he committed a costly error that led to the opening goal, yet he also produced six saves and was voted Player of the Match by the supporters.

Former England international Joe Hart said: “Goalkeeping is sometimes not a work of art. It’s not about perfection.” He added that Lammens found himself in an uncomfortable position, having to decide instantly whether a ball was a back‑pass and whether he could handle it.

Hart illustrated the split‑second dilemma: “He thinks: is this a back‑pass? May I use my hands? Or must I kick? He decides not to take a risk, his foot gets stuck and it goes wrong. And it happens in real time. Who would still want to be a goalkeeper?”

For Belgium, the context is different. The memory of Courtois looms large, and Lammens must prove he can be a reliable number one at the highest international level while the former starter remains on the sidelines.

Mark van Bommel has warned that Courtois will have to fight for his place on his return, meaning Lammens’ performances could influence the selection dilemma that Belgium may face once the Real Madrid keeper is back.