Ceni Lammens: The Manchester United goalkeeper on life at Old Trafford

Manchester United’s new youngster Ceni Lamins says he is not afraid of the burden on his shoulders when taking on one of the most scrutinized roles in the modern game.

Only recently, manager Ruben Amorim spoke of the “enormous” pressure placed on any United goalkeeper in the modern digital age.

At 23 years old, and with only one full season of football left to do, Lammence could be forgiven for feeling more pressure than most, especially as United’s hierarchy blocked Amorim’s desire to bring in World Cup winner Emiliano Martinez from Aston Villa on the transfer deadline day.

However, speaking exclusively to BBC Sport in his first overseas interview ahead of United’s Premier League trip to Nottingham Forest on Saturday, Lammence did not give the impression of being someone affected by self-doubt.

“Of course, you hear from other people that there is a lot of pressure coming here and playing for this team,” the Belgian said.

“But I welcome it. Firstly, it’s good to play for such a big team. There has to be a lot of pressure – I’m not really afraid of that,” he added.

Such was the lack of faith Old Trafford fans had in Andre Onana, who has now joined Turkish club Trabzonspor on loan, and Altay Binder, who was the goalkeeper in the first six Premier League games of the season, that Lamins received a standing ovation the first time he took possession of the ball during his debut against Sunderland on October 4.

United’s first clean slate of the season was a welcome return, prompting chants of “Are you a convincing Schmeichel?” In reference to one of the club’s most famous goalkeepers, Danish legend Peter Schmeichel.

Lammens had not heard the song at the time. But he was happy when he learned the news, even if he accepted that he was still far from deserving of such an association.

“I don’t listen to it much during the match, but I saw it afterward,” he said.

“I’m not Schmeichel in disguise. I’m just Signe Lammens trying to help the team.

“It’s a great compliment but you have to be realistic. He is one of the best goalkeepers ever. I have to prove a lot to be in the same conversation with him.”