Senne Lammens' 'mentally strong' claim is being tested by three key Man Utd teammates right now – opinion

Senne Lammens’ sentiments around ‘pressure’ at Manchester United have been on full display with other first-team players at the Premier League club this season.

The 24-year-old Belgium international is away on international duty and Senne Lammens was asked if he has ‘changed’ due to the spotlight on him at Old Trafford.

“For me, personally, no, but I can imagine that, for some players, it might change them a little bit,” he said at a Belgium press conference, as per Manchester United’s official website.

“I think if you’re not mentally strong and not confident in yourself, then sometimes that’s difficult. What with all that pressure and a lot of people everywhere having something to say about it.”

United In Focus has now looked at three Manchester United first-team players who have remained “mentally strong” during the mixed results in the season so far.

What is the minimum points Michael Carrick needs? Which fixture are you most worried about?

Marcus Rashford has made six appearances for Manchester United this season since his return from Barcelona and Michael Carrick has made it clear that the England international is part of his plans. Despite performing relatively well for United at times, the results are not shown in Marcus Rashford’s goalscoring and assisting output.

Rashford does not have a single assist in the 2026-27 campaign so far, nor has the former Barcelona and Aston Villa player scored for United. However, the 28-year-old Three Lions forward has shown little sign that his confidence has been shot to bits, despite not scoring or assisting in his performances.

Bryan Mbeumo had high expectations placed on him for the 2026-27 campaign after his strong showing leading the frontline in the pre-season summer tour. However, an injury setback to Amad Diallo has left Bryan Mbeumo mainly restricted to the right wing rather than being a rotational forward for United manager Michael Carrick.

Just like Marcus Rashford, Mbeumo has been able to stay mentally strong under criticism over his performances at times and has still had an impact this season. The 27-year-old Cameroon international netted against both Ipswich Town and Everton in the Premier League last month, while he picked up an assist in United’s 4-0 demolition of Sabah in the Champions League.

Bruno Fernandes’ season has been mixed early on, but the 32-year-old mirrors Senne Lammens in not allowing the pressure to drag him down. The Man Utd captain has stepped up for the Red Devils once in a major way this season after he netted a stunning hat-trick in United’s 5-2 comeback win over Ipswich Town.

Bruno Fernandes did pick up an assist in United’s Champions League thumping of Sabah, but there is much to be desired from him in other matches. However, the Portugal international is the textbook example of being ‘mentally strong’ and there are no signs that his confidence has been impacted by the mixed start to the season.