Heaton backs Lammens to return stronger after World Cup error

Tom Heaton has backed Manchester United team-mate Senne Lammens to come through his World Cup disappointment a stronger goalkeeper, saying the 24-year-old has the mentality to handle it.

Lammens spent most of Belgium's tournament as back-up to Thibaut Courtois, but was thrown on when the veteran was injured 19 minutes from the end of the quarter-final against Spain. He had barely touched the ball before spilling Pau Cubarsi's late shot, allowing Mikel Merino to steer in the winner in a 2-1 Spain victory.

What happened

The error was Lammens' only appearance of the tournament and drew heavy criticism in Belgium, with the goalkeeper visibly upset at the final whistle. Heaton, who spoke with him afterwards, said the situation is part of the job for a goalkeeper and that he expects no lasting damage.

Heaton, 40, added that he doubts Lammens will approach future games with any fear, arguing that a goalkeeper has to accept that a single mistake usually ends in a goal.

• Lammens, 24, made one appearance for Belgium at the World Cup
• He replaced the injured Courtois 19 minutes from the end of the quarter-final
• His spill let Mikel Merino score in a 2-1 win for Spain
• Lammens joined United from Royal Antwerp for £18.1m
• Karl Darlow, 35, was signed as back-up on 14 July

What's next

Lammens is now on a three-week break and is expected back in pre-season training in the first week of August, putting him in line to feature against Paris St-Germain in Gothenburg on 8 August. United's confidence in him is said to remain strong after an impressive first season in England, which followed his arrival from Antwerp as a relative unknown ahead of Argentina international Emi Martinez.

Heaton, who signed a one-year deal in the summer but has not made a competitive senior appearance since February 2023, was speaking after United's opening pre-season defeat by Wrexham in Helsinki. Darlow's arrival gives the club further cover as Lammens works his way back towards the new campaign.