United rally behind Lammens after goalkeeper's error ends Belgium's World Cup run

Manchester United publicly backed goalkeeper Senne Lammens after his costly error handed Spain a 2026 World Cup quarter-final victory over Belgium in Los Angeles, ending the Red Devils’ tournament at the last-eight stage.

Lammens was thrust into the match as an emergency replacement for the injured Thibaut Courtois, who was substituted in the second half with a thigh problem. With two minutes remaining, the 24-year-old dropped a shot from Pau Cubarsi directly into the path of Arsenal midfielder Mikel Merino, who prodded in the winning goal from close range. Belgium could not recover.

Shortly after the final whistle, United posted a message on Instagram reading: “Head up, Senne. We’re all with you.” Courtois, who had watched the denouement from the sideline, also moved quickly to console his understudy. “It is a shame that Senne just couldn’t catch that ball, but that’s football,” the Real Madrid goalkeeper said. “Mike [Penders], Guy [Martens] and I went to give him a hug. You can’t say much at that moment. It’s just a shame, but Senne is an excellent goalkeeper. He has a bright future ahead of him, and moments like that make you stronger. It shouldn’t be blamed on him. It’s part of football.”

The error represents a painful low point in what has otherwise been a breakthrough year for Lammens. United paid £18.1 million plus add-ons to sign him from Royal Antwerp, and he repaid that faith with eight clean sheets in 32 appearances under Ruben Amorim and Michael Carrick, bringing a composure to the backline that had been notably absent in previous seasons.

When United signed him, Lammens had only represented Belgium at under-21 level. His performances at club level earned him three senior international caps — a significant progression for a goalkeeper who has spent much of his career in Courtois’s shadow.

Carrick, speaking in February, drew comparisons between Lammens and club legend Edwin van der Sar, though he was careful to frame them as similarities rather than a direct comparison. “I definitely see the similarities, without comparing them,” Carrick said. “I don’t want to be comparing them because I don’t think it’s fair to Senne. But there’s definitely similarities.”

Lammens will now return to United for pre-season preparations, where Carrick and the coaching staff will look to rebuild his confidence ahead of the new campaign.