Following Senne Lammens’ clean-sheet debut in Manchester United’s 2-0 victory over Sunderland, Old Trafford’s Stretford End came alive with a chant that’s now gone viral: “Are you Schmeichel in disguise?”
It was a light-hearted nod to the Belgian goalkeeper’s confident display, yet it carried layers of meaning, something that didn’t escape Sky Sports’ Sunday Supplement panel in a video posted via their official X account.
Watch the video below:
While the chant celebrated Lammens’ composure between the sticks, pundits suggested it also laid bare the fans’ desperation for any glimpse of old glory. United supporters, once spoilt by the dominance of Peter Schmeichel, Edwin van der Sar and later David De Gea, now seem ready to latch onto any hint of reliability.
After rocky spells from André Onana and Altay Bayındır, Lammens’ calm debut, a few solid claims and a key leg save late on felt like fresh air for a fanbase long gasping for consistency. Even manager Rúben Amorim was quick to praise the youngster for the maturity he showed in his first game.
He was also recognised as the player of the match,, and it was followed by an appreciation post made by Manchester United on the team’s official X account.
They Posted:
The discussion wrapped up with a shared sentiment: no one’s calling Lammens the next Schmeichel, but the chant reflects a deeper truth. Fans are desperate for a commanding, trustworthy figure in goal, something United haven’t truly had in years.
A pundit said:
A sign of desperation is there when the goalkeeper makes his debut, does very well and keeps a clean sheet. And they’re chanting that he’s the new Peter Schmeichel! I mean it was his first game… He comes tongue-in-cheek? It was just fun, wasn’t it, to give him a lift?! Well, no, but I think it shows how desperate they are to hang onto some bit of hope. Some positivity.
Interestingly, the panel noted how the humour behind the chant doubles as social commentary, a playful jab at the club’s decline. Comparing a debutant to a legend isn’t really flattery; it’s more of a reminder of how far the bar has fallen.
He Said:
Yeah, exactly. I know it obviously came out as being tongue-in-cheek, but this almost kind of shows where they’re at right now. Just something like that… A goalkeeper who doesn’t throw one in. Basically, is something you can celebrate.
A clean sheet shouldn’t be headline news at Manchester United yet, however in these strange times, it somehow is.
