Manchester United goalkeeper Senne Lammens has praised Carlos Baleba and Josh Zirkzee for their contributions after the club played out a 1-1 draw against Tottenham Hotspur.
United were unable to secure all three points at Old Trafford, with Dominic Solanke scoring a late equaliser for Tottenham. However, Lammens believes there were positives to take from the performance, particularly the impact made by the players who came off the bench.
Baleba made his Manchester United debut after coming on in the second half, while Zirkzee also featured as Michael Carrick made changes in an attempt to improve the team’s performance.
Lammens Delighted With Baleba’s Performance
Speaking after the match, Lammens expressed his happiness for Baleba and highlighted the qualities the midfielder brings to the team.
“Very pleased for him [Baleba]. Everyone has seen his qualities, what he can bring to us. Not just him, but also Josh [Zirkzee], who helped us in the second half,” Lammens said.
The goalkeeper’s comments will be encouraging for Baleba, who had to wait for his opportunity to make his first appearance for United after arriving from Brighton with an ankle injury.
The midfielder’s introduction brought fresh energy to United’s midfield, and his debut was one of the positives from an otherwise frustrating evening for the home side.
For United supporters, there will be hope that Baleba can make an even bigger contribution as he settles into the team and becomes more familiar with his new teammates.
Josh Zirkzee Also Gets Recognition
Baleba was not the only player to receive praise from Lammens. The Belgian goalkeeper also acknowledged Zirkzee’s contribution after the forward came on during the second half.
Zirkzee’s involvement was part of Carrick’s attempt to change the momentum of the match and give United more options going forward.
Although United eventually dropped two points, Lammens recognised the importance of having players on the bench who can come into a game and make a difference.
Having depth in the squad could prove important for United as they prepare for a busy run of fixtures. Players who are not regular starters will need to take their opportunities whenever they arise.
Man United Must Build on the Positives
Despite the disappointment of conceding a late equaliser, Lammens believes United can take encouragement from the contributions of their substitutes.
The challenge now is to turn those positive moments into consistent performances. United need to improve their overall play, especially after struggling to control parts of the first half against Tottenham.
Baleba and Zirkzee will both be hoping to earn more opportunities in the coming matches, and their performances could give Carrick more options when selecting his starting lineup.
For now, Lammens’ comments show that their contributions have not gone unnoticed inside the dressing room.
Manchester United may have missed out on victory against Tottenham, but the impact of their substitutes gives the club something positive to build on as the season continues.
Do you think Carlos Baleba should start Manchester United’s next match after his impressive debut? Share your thoughts in the comments.
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