Tom Heaton says new signing Senne Lammens has 'impressed' in early Manchester United training

Manchester United veteran goalkeeper Tom Heaton said new signing Senne Lammens has impressed in his first training sessions since joining the club, calling the 23-year-old's goalkeeping fundamentals "very impressive." Lammens completed an £18.2 million move from Royal Antwerp on deadline day and signed a five-year contract with United.

The Belgian keeper was named on the bench for Sunday's Manchester derby, which United lost 3-0 to Manchester City, and is poised to contest the club's starting position after Andre Onana's loan exit last week. United's director of football, Jason Wilcox, has described Lammens as "an excellent young goalkeeper with great potential."

"It's only been a few days training but he seems like a really good lad," Heaton said on the Training Ground Guru podcast. "He's calm but [has] a strong personality. His goalkeeping fundamentals are very impressive and I think I said that to him after a couple of days training. Twenty-three years old coming into Manchester United, first few days training and he's been very impressive so far. I really like his goalkeeping fundamentals."

Lammens arrived at Old Trafford after United reportedly fended off interest from several clubs, including Aston Villa and Galatasaray. The move was completed on transfer deadline day, with the club lining up Lammens as a long-term option and immediate competition for the first-team jersey.

Heaton, who has been part of United's goalkeeping group in a mentoring and squad role, emphasized the early signs he has seen in training rather than projecting when Lammens might make his competitive debut. The goalkeeper's presence on the bench for a high-profile fixture indicates the coaching staff's readiness to involve him in matchday squads while assessing his adaptation to the Premier League environment.

Lammens's transfer has drawn interest and commentary beyond Manchester, with his brother Tom — who plays in the Belgian lower leagues — speaking to Belgian outlet Nieuwsblad. Tom said he was initially sceptical about the move to United because of the pressure that comes with playing at the club, and suggested a transfer to a club like Galatasaray might have offered immediate Champions League football. He added, however, that United made Senne feel welcome and pointed to the role of Tony Coton, United's goalkeeping scout, who had tracked Lammens for almost a year and was convinced of his qualities.

United's recruitment of Lammens follows a period of change in the club's goalkeeping department. With Onana temporarily moved on loan, the club has created an opening that Lammens is expected to challenge for, though the coaching staff has retained experienced hands in the squad to manage the transition.

The signing reflects United's broader recruitment strategy of acquiring young players with potential and integrating them into a high-pressure environment at Old Trafford. Club officials have framed Lammens as part of a longer-term plan to rebuild squad depth and competition in key positions.

Heaton's comments were cautious in tone but positive, focusing on observable traits in training rather than promising an immediate run of starts. Lammens will remain subject to the coaching staff's assessment in training and matchday preparations as he settles into the club and the demands of English football.