Belgium manager Mark van Bommel should drop Manchester United goalkeeper Senne Lammens in favour of Chelsea‘s Mike Penders for November’s international break.

In September 2025, Lammens moved to Old Trafford after a spell at Royal Antwerp. A month later, he made his Manchester United debut and has been their No.1 since then.

Later that year, the stopper made his debut for De Rode Duivels and represented them at the World Cup. Meanwhile, 21-year-old Penders returned to Chelsea after impressing while on loan at RC Strasbourg last season.

Penders’ impressive performances for the Ligue 1 side helped him receive a call-up last November. He has regularly received a call-up since then but is yet to make his debut for the senior team.

Manchester United and Chelsea players’ contrast 

Since returning to Stamford Bridge, Mike Penders has been Emiliano Martínez’s deputy. The latter suffered a fractured jaw in October, and the former Genk man has started in his absence.

This season, he kept three clean sheets and conceded seven goals in seven matches for Chelsea. He conceded three goals in the 6-3 EFL Cup win over Leeds United.

Meanwhile, Senne Lammens made an error against Spain in the summer, leading to the national team’s elimination from the World Cup. La Roja went on to win the tournament.

The 24-year-old’s form for Manchester United has dipped since then. He has one clean sheet and conceded 27 goals in 14 matches so far this season.

During the last international break, he conceded one goal and kept two clean sheets in three matches. He received praise from Simon Mignloet and Dennis Odoi in October.

Questions raised about Manchester United man

Former Belgium international duo Silvio Proto and Thomas Chatelle are urging Mark van Bommel to start Chelsea goalkeeper Mike Penders ahead of Senne Lammens. They were debating about the two Premier League stoppers for Belgium’s RTL.

Proto, a former goalkeeper, backs Penders to start for Belgium against Turkey and Italy this month.

“I’ve already said it. The most talented goalkeeper is Penders. Are we investing in the future or do we want immediate results?” he said.

Meanwhile, Chatelle is worried about Senne Lammens’ form since his error against Spain in the summer.

“He exudes mistrust in the context of Manchester United, which is incredibly tough. Since that match against Spain, every ball he clears goes straight to an opponent’s feet. It’s crazy,” Chatelle explained.

Proto joined his compatriot, and he added: “You don’t judge him the same way anymore. He’d make a small mistake, and we’d say, ‘That happens.’ Now, a small mistake means it’s in.”