Senne Lammens has revealed, pointing fingers at the one United defender he believes keeps letting him down

Manchester United’s ongoing defensive struggles have been thrown back into sharp focus after goalkeeper Senne Lammens offered a strikingly frank account of his frustrations at the back, singling out Diogo Dalot as the defender he feels is repeatedly denying him clean sheets.

Speaking with unusual openness, Lammens acknowledged his own responsibilities as a goalkeeper but made it clear that the recurring breakdowns in front of him — particularly down Dalot’s flank — have become impossible to overlook. His comments reflected not just disappointment, but a sense of mounting irritation built up over time.

“I always give everything when I play,” Lammens said. “But it feels like Dalot always ruins my clean sheet. As a goalkeeper, that’s not something you can ever be happy about.”

For goalkeepers, clean sheets are more than numbers on a stat sheet. They represent focus, organisation and a shared understanding across the defensive line. Lammens’ remarks hint at deeper unease within United’s backline, where single errors continue to undo long spells of control and solid work.

Those close to the squad suggest the goalkeeper has raised similar concerns privately before, but this marks the first occasion he has publicly pointed to a specific teammate. The honesty of his words has only intensified the spotlight.

“When you’ve done your job for almost the entire game — making saves, organising the defence — and one mistake wipes it all out, it’s painful,” Lammens explained. “It affects your confidence and the trust you have in what’s happening in front of you.”

Dalot, a regular presence in United’s defence, has often been praised for his energy going forward and his versatility across the back line. However, doubts have persisted about his defensive consistency, especially in decisive moments. Critics frequently highlight issues with positioning, delayed recovery runs and questionable decisions that leave space exposed — mistakes that goalkeepers are often left to answer for.

At the highest level, even a split-second lapse can be costly. From a goalkeeper’s perspective, those moments feel unforgiving, and Lammens’ comments suggest they have become recurring problems rather than rare slip-ups.

While careful not to sound deliberately disrespectful, Lammens stressed that clean sheets are built collectively, not individually. He made it clear that no goalkeeper can succeed alone without full concentration and discipline from the defenders ahead of him.

“I can make saves,” he said, “but defenders have to stay alert. One error is all it takes for everything to disappear.”

His words have struck a chord with supporters who have repeatedly watched United concede avoidable goals late in matches — goals that turn victories into draws or wipe out hard-earned points entirely. Dalot’s defensive reliability has long been a subject of debate among fans, and this latest revelation has reignited that discussion with fresh intensity.

The situation has also raised questions about the mood inside the dressing room. Public criticism between teammates is uncommon, and when it surfaces, it often signals frustration that has been simmering beneath the surface for some time.

According to those familiar with the squad, the pressure is beginning to show. Players are growing tired of seeing the same mistakes lead to the same disappointing outcomes, particularly in a season where clean sheets have been scarce despite periods of dominance in matches.

Fan reaction has been swift and divided. Many have backed Lammens, insisting he is simply voicing what supporters witness week after week. Others, however, believe such issues should be addressed internally, warning that public blame risks further unsettling an already fragile group.

Beyond the players, attention is also turning toward the coaching staff. Defensive structure, communication and accountability ultimately fall under their guidance. If goalkeepers are openly expressing a lack of confidence in certain defensive situations, it points to broader tactical or organisational problems that may require changes in approach, personnel or balance on the pitch.

So far, neither Dalot nor the club has responded publicly to Lammens’ remarks, but the scrutiny is unlikely to fade. For Dalot, this moment could serve as a wake-up call to sharpen his defensive discipline, or it could spark more serious conversations about his long-term role at Old Trafford.