Manchester United’s decision to sign 23-year-old Belgian goalkeeper Senne Ramens has already caused serious buzz at Old Trafford, but his former coach says it is not a short-term project.
The young shot-stopper is thought to have the potential to one day become the ‘best in the world’ and replace one of Belgium’s best ever goalkeepers.
Lamence is seen as a statement piece in the club’s long-term strategy, given United’s ongoing rebuild under manager Ruben Amorim.
Having struggled with goalkeepers such as Andre Onana and Altai Baindir, United invested in new goalkeepers in the summer transfer window, but their move raised eyebrows given they had signed a goalkeeper who had not been tested at the top level.
Manchester United sign Senne Lamence in summer
United signed Lamence from Royal Antwerp for around £18 million in the summer of 2025.
United showed faith in their goalkeeper despite only having one season of experience in the Belgian top flight.
After settling in, he made his debut in the recent game against Sunderland, where he kept a clean sheet and received much praise.
Former Club Brugge coach Heik Mircon is now publicly predicting a huge leap forward.
“I wasn’t surprised when I saw Manchester United came calling and I was really happy for him to get his first clean sheet.” Mr Milcon told the Manchester Evening News.
“Senne is potential number one for the Red Devils (and) the Belgian national team.
“He got his chance and he took it. We’re all really proud of him, but we knew it was going to happen.
“I wish him the best of luck because I believe he has everything to be the best in the world.
“He’s going to have a very good career in England and Manchester United should go back to being the big club they used to be. He’s definitely going to have a positive impact on that.”
Ramence needs more time to prove himself
Mircon’s endorsement is bold, not least because it includes the claim that Lamence could soon take over the starting role for Belgium, replacing Thibaut Courtois, who is considered one of the elite of his generation.
Lamence still lacks Premier League experience and will need to adapt to the physicality, tempo and harsh evaluations. He still has a long way to go to be one of the best in the league, much less one of the best in the world.
While early signs are encouraging, such praise can put pressure on goalkeepers, and many of United’s recent signings have failed to live up to the high expectations.
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