Manchester United ended a near decade-long drought at Anfield with a stunning 2-1 win over Liverpool on Sunday, and it was 23-year-old goalkeeper Senne Lammens who quietly delivered one of the performances of the match.

The Belgian, making just his second Premier League start, made 6 key saves, including a reflex stop to deny Darwin Núñez in the first half and a point-blank save from Mohamed Salah late on. His confident handling and assured distribution were crucial in soaking up Liverpool’s relentless second-half pressure.

United’s last win at Anfield had come nine years earlier, in January 2016. Since then, they had gone eight visits without a victory at their rivals’ ground. That streak was snapped in dramatic fashion after goals from Bryan Mbeumo (2’) and Harry Maguire (89’) sealed all three points despite Cody Gakpo’s late equaliser.

Manager Ruben Amorim, under intense pressure following a poor start to the season, handed Lammens the nod ahead of Altay Bayindir, who had conceded 8 goals in his last 3 starts.

Lammens repaid that faith not only with his saves, but also with his calmness completing 28 of 36 passes (78%), showing composure under Liverpool’s high press.

“Amorim takes the pressure off us and puts it on himself,” Lammens said post-match. “That’s what great managers do. He’s been the same with me from day one.”

The goalkeeper arrived in the summer from Royal Antwerp for £18 million, a signing met with skepticism given links to more established names like Emiliano Martinez and Gianluigi Donnarumma.

United legend Rio Ferdinand praised Lammens on his Vibe with Five podcast after the game:

“He’s only played two games, I don’t want to go overboard, but in both he’s looked safe, dependable, assured, assertive, and calm,” Ferdinand said.

“Those are exactly the traits you want from your keeper. That type of presence breeds confidence throughout the back line.”

Lammens also won 100% of his aerial duels (3/3) and made 4 successful high claims, crucial in managing Liverpool’s 11 corners and sustained pressure.

Match-winner Harry Maguire, who scored the decisive goal in the 89th minute from a Bruno Fernandes cross, echoed Ferdinand’s admiration:

“For a 23-year-old to come in and play like that, especially here at Anfield, is incredible,” Maguire said. “He’s got great personality, excellent communication, and he gives the defenses real confidence.”

Before Lammens’ emergence, Manchester United’s goalkeeping position had been a point of instability. Former No.1 Andre Onana had been criticized for multiple high-profile errors, with a save percentage of just 64% in the Premier League before leaving the club.

By contrast, Lammens boasts a save percentage of 85.7% across his two starts an early, but impressive number that could solidify his claim to the No.1 shirt.

With United’s next fixtures on the horizon and Amorim reportedly safe at least for now all eyes will be on whether Lammens can maintain his early momentum and anchor the back line in a crucial phase of the season.