Gary Neville Claims Lammens Begged Teammates Not to Pass to Him

Gary Neville has claimed that Manchester United goalkeeper Senne Lammens appeared to signal to his teammates he did not want the ball during the first half of Saturday’s Premier League clash against Tottenham Hotspur ^[1]. The former Red Devils right-back, watching live on Sky Sports, suggested the 24-year-old Belgian was visibly unsettled when the ball was played back to him, with Neville stating: 'There was a brief moment where it looked like he was trying to signal he didn’t want it, and there was a sharp expletive in that moment' ^[2].

Lammens struggled with distribution, making a poor pass to Kobbie Mainoo within 10 minutes that was intercepted by Spurs. Though he later denied Dominic Solanke a certain goal from close range, his overall performance was described as uncharacteristic and disjointed ^[1]. The first half ended with United booed off by fans at Old Trafford, despite Tottenham’s own wastefulness preventing a deficit ^[2].

Spurs, who entered the match at the bottom of the table with no wins in five games, dominated the opening 45 minutes, carving through Michael Carrick’s side repeatedly ^[1]. Sky Sports pundit Jamie Redknapp said United had 'caused their own problems', citing poor passing and lack of structure, particularly from Lammens ^[2].

Carrick, under pressure after two defeats and a draw in the previous three games, faces mounting scrutiny as United fail to build on last season’s success ^[1]. New signings, including marquee arrival Carlos Baleba, remain unused, with Baleba named on the bench but yet to start ^[2].

The match ended in a 1-1 draw after Bryan Mbeumo gave United a lead, only for Rodrigo Bentancur to be sent off for a headbutt on Luke Shaw. Dominic Solanke equalised in stoppage time, capitalising on a lapse by Lisandro Martinez ^[2].

While Neville’s lip-reading interpretation of Lammens’ actions has not been confirmed by official footage or club sources, it has sparked widespread discussion across social media and punditry circles ^[1]. The incident highlights growing anxiety over United’s defensive stability and Carrick’s tactical direction. The story was first reported by Mirror and Daily Star.