Senne Lammens shares pre-match ritual he learned from former Liverpool star

Senne Lammens has opened up on the pre-match ritual he employs ahead of games for Manchester United, with the goalkeeper having learned the trick from former Liverpool keeper Simon Mignolet

Manchester United goalkeeper Senne Lammens has made a good start to his Old Trafford career(Image: Getty Images)

Manchester United's Senne Lammens has disclosed that he immerses his goalkeeping gloves in a hot tub days before a match, a technique he adopted from former Liverpool keeper Simon Mignolet.

The 23-year-old made the switch to United from Royal Antwerp last summer and has been impressive since his arrival at Old Trafford, letting in just 29 goals in 23 Premier League appearances. He has secured his position as the Reds' primary goalkeeper, relegating Altay Bayindir to the No. 2 spot, with Andre Onana departing to join Trabzonspor on loan.

His performances have been outstanding, and he has now divulged an unconventional pre-match ritual that may shed light on his excellent displays in a United jersey.

In conversation with Ben Foster on the 'Fozcast,' Lammens admitted that he places his gloves in a hot tub several days before a game alongside his teammates — a tip he picked up from Mignolet.

"I probably wear a new pair every game, depends how I feel," Lammens said. "If I played with one pair, I trained in them the whole week, then I'll wear a new pair. If you play Saturday, I'm training in them Friday, but before then, I like to get them in the hot tub with the guys... I actually got it from Simon Mignolet.

"How new gloves feel, they're stiff, the grip is not great, I like to get them in there for half an hour. Right before the meeting, I throw them in, and then after, take them out.

Senne Lammens poses with his POTM award(Image: Getty Images)

"I do a full session, I'll wear them warming up and wear them for the game."

Lammens had previously spent two years at Royal Antwerp, making 64 appearances across all competitions for the Belgian side, helping them clinch the Belgian Super Cup during his inaugural season with the club.

He carved out a reputation as one of Belgium's top goalkeepers during his stint in Antwerp, prompting United to swoop in and secure his services towards the end of last summer's transfer window.

Reflecting on the initial approach from United prior to his move, Lammens shared: "It was quite a long time ago, but the first time I heard about it, it was like, 'No, it's not possible.' You don't really believe it. It's so far out there, it's such a dream.

"They came to watch a couple of times, it was at Antwerp, they said a few people from Manchester was here, which was crazy to hear. It's insane to hear, the first time I couldn't really believe it until the summer.

"Of course, I'm confident in myself, but I was a full starter for one year, so it was a surprise that they went for me. Then it was deadline day, which was a special experience. We were in contact for the whole summer. In the end, everything went well. I never really was too stressed or, 'Ah s---, it's not going to happen.'

"If it didn't, I would just keep going with Antwerp or however long it takes, it was never for me a had to happen in the summer. Before that, it was a bit of a dream or scepticism, which is a good thing as I wasn't really too nervous."

United and Lammens are set to face Aston Villa next in the Premier League on Sunday.