MANCHESTER UNITED believe Senne Lammens has become even better since his World Cup howler.
Belgium goalkeeper Lammens fumbled a shot that was converted by Spain substitute Mikel Merino on the rebound in the 88th minute in the quarter-finals.
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Lammens had replaced long-time number one Thibaut Courtois in the second half with the tie deadlocked before his error led to eventual winners’ Spain’s progress.
But United insiders have been struck by how unflappable Lammens has remained upon his return to club duty.
A senior club source said Lammens, who received the number one shirt after the departure of Altay Bayindir on loan, has been “excellent”.
Lammens made impressive saves before United were breached in their 2-0 defeat at Hull City on the opening weekend of the season.
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The 24-year-old followed up his laudable performance with a one-on-one denial of Julio Enciso in the 5-2 humbling of Ipswich Town.
Lammens also denied Leif Davis a second goal with Ipswich 1-0 up shortly before Bruno Fernandes equalised.
At £18.1million, Lammens has proved to be a steal since his transfer deadline day arrival from Royal Antwerp a year ago.
United have won 19 of the 35 games Lammens has played in, losing only six times.
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Lammens has started every United game since he kept a clean sheet on his debut against Sunderland in October last year.
QUICKY MART
Expect United to trigger the one-year extension in Lisandro Martinez’s contract at some stage over the next four months.
Martinez has entered the final year of his deal but the plus-one option means his contract has a final expiry date of 2028.
Club figures expect the inevitable, hopefully with a better method of communication than some former United players experienced.
Ander Herrera was notified that his contract had been extended through a letter in the post.
United are unlikely to just let go of Martinez, 28, but they have to decide on whether to keep or sell before next summer’s transfer window.
BEER WE GO AGAIN
Old Trafford reopened for United supporters with new facilities at the kiosks.
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Chief executive Omar Berrada wrote in his programme notes United had “a new catering partner, offering new kiosks, more choice, greater quality and shorter queuing times”.
Not everyone had such a serene experience.
“Only United could attempt to ‘improve’ the matchday experience and make it chaotic instead,” a season-ticket holder messaged.
“The ‘grab-and-go’ beers section is behind a turnstile with security guards, they’ve replaced the food bits and moved them to the bottlenecks, so the queues are terrible and the self-service machines are gone.
“It was carnage trying to get past to get to the door for your seat and I was 40 minutes early.
“After queuing for 15 minutes for food, all hot food was sold out and the grab-and-go wasn’t working for most people.”
FULL CIRCLE
Former United midfielder Paul Pogba served as Carlos Baleba’s primary source of footballing inspiration on TV throughout his formative years.
Those close to the new £70m Old Trafford star said Baleba, 22, feels joining United is a full circle moment.
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Baleba started out as a winger at a local club before joining the Brasseries academy at 13 years old.
His dad coached him at that academy and was famously harder on him than his peers.
I’M A BALEBA
Baleba is adjusting smoothly to life in Manchester, spending his opening week at Carrington focusing on recovery work on his ankle injury.
Insiders have highlighted his upbeat personality and lighthearted presence around the squad.
Current estimations mean Baleba could make his United debut after the international break against Spurs on October 10.
An accelerated recovery could bring the September 20 away fixture against Fulham into play, though any involvement would likely be strictly limited.
MASS CHANGE
United chose to keep Harry Amass on transfer deadline day after a number of suitors arrived too late in the day.
United turned down Burnley’s £3.5m offer for their 19-year-old left-back, holding firm on a £6m valuation.
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There is still time for Amass to resurrect his United career, despite his contract expiring next summer. United were not interested in a loan deal away due to the nature of Amass’ terms.
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The former Watford youth star had interest in Sporting, Celtic, as well as Championship sides Stoke City, Birmingham City, Queens Park Rangers and Millwall.
Amass rejoined first-team training on Wednesday, with United deciding the teenager’s growth is best served in-house before reassessing his plans later this campaign.