What's happened
The Belgian goalkeeper has spilled a 25-yard shot late in a World Cup quarter-final, allowing Merino to score for Spain. Lammens is receiving backing from Manchester United teammates and staff, who say the setback will strengthen him for the season ahead.
What's behind the headline?
Analysis
- Lammens has shown grit under pressure, with teammates describing his personality as ideal for a goalkeeper.
- The incident comes amid United’s preparation for a new season, with new signings and a reshaped squad.
- The ongoing question is how international exposure might influence his club form and confidence in upcoming matches.
Takeaways
- Expect support from club figures to bolster Lammens’ readiness.
- Monitor his performances as the season opens to gauge whether the setback triggers improvement.
How we got here
Belgium’s Lammens has been thrust into the spotlight after replacing the injured Courtois in the World Cup quarter-final. United’s management and teammates have highlighted his strong mental resilience and potential to rebound quickly as pre-season continues.
Our analysis
Independent: Heaton underscoring Lammens’ resilience; BBC Business: Lammens’ injury and subsequent support; both report on his pre-season context and squad plans.
Go deeper
- What changes are expected in United’s lineup after the World Cup break?
- How will Lammens’ experience influence his role this season?
- Who else is stepping up in goal for United this term?
More on these topics
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Thibaut Courtois - Belgian footballer
Thibaut Nicolas Marc Courtois is a Belgian professional footballer who plays as a goalkeeper for Spanish club Real Madrid and the Belgium national team.
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Helsinki - Capital of Finland
Helsinki is the capital, primate and most populous city of Finland. Located on the shore of the Gulf of Finland, it is the seat of the region of Uusimaa in southern Finland, and has a population of 650,058.
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Mikel Merino - Spanish footballer (born 1996)
Mikel Merino Zazón (Spanish pronunciation: [ˈmikel meˈɾino]; born 22 June 1996) is a Spanish professional footballer who plays as a midfielder or striker for Premier League club Arsenal and the Spain national team. He began his career with Osasuna, and had short spells at Borussia Dortmund and Newcastle United before signing for Real Sociedad in 2018, winning the 2019–20 Copa del Rey with the club while totalling 242 appearances and 27 goals. In August 2024, he joined Premier League side Arsenal. Merino represented Spain in two European Under-21 Championships, winning the 2019 edition. He made his senior debut in 2020, being selected for Euro 2024, which Spain won, and the 2026 World Cup.