Manchester United goalkeeper Senne Lammens has admitted it’s been a difficult few weeks for him, including the sacking of Michael Carrick.
The goalkeeper was likely glad to head away from Old Trafford this week and link up with Belgium after a difficult start to the season for the Red Devils.
He has found himself in the firing in particular as he struggles to continue an impressive first season at Manchester United last year.
He proved to be one of the smartest signings of the season, quickly establishing himself as number one Ruben Amorim and then Michael Carrick. But he has struggled to continue that this season.
Indeed, the young goalkeeper has found himself under increasing criticism in recent weeks. The 4-4 draw against Aston Villa before the international break had him in the spotlight in particular.
He’s well aware of that criticism and admits it has been a difficult few weeks.
“I’m trying to stay stoic,” he told Het Nieuwsblad.
“I avoid everything that is said and written as much as possible, but that’s not always possible because of the situation at Manchester United. It’s been a difficult few weeks, I’m not gonna lie.
“Keeping your distance and relativising is not always obvious. Am I glad to show myself to England? I’m especially happy to show myself to Belgium.”
Carrick message
The goalkeeper will return from the international break to find a new manager in charge at Manchester United.
Michael Carrick has now been relieved of his duties. Mauricio Pochettino will take charge officially once his duties with the USA are completed on Tuesday.
Lammens focus is on Belgium, for now. But he intends to send his now former boss another message.
“I’m going to send Michael Carrick another message,” he added.
“I had a good relationship with him and such a coach’s dismissal hits hard. I now focus 100% on the Belgium National Team.”
Belgium plans
The hope is that he can find his confidence with Belgium in this break and return to Manchester in a better mood than in which he left it.
That’s certainly the plan if the goalkeeper is to be believed.
“I always like to come to the national team,” he concluded.
“I’m coming home a little bit. I know all the players well, the system. It helps to boost self-confidence after difficult weeks at Manchester United.
“Am I mentally stronger than many people think? Uh, I don’t know what people think exactly. I only know that hard work pays off.”
