Photo by Manchester United/Manchester United via Getty Images

Phil Jones tips Senne Lammens to adopt David de Gea’s ‘rhino skin’ at Man Utd

Originally posted on HITC | By Adnan Riaz | Last updated Sep 13, 2025 10:48 AM ET

Ruben Amorim may have found the ideal approach for one of Manchester United’s summer signings, taking a page from a club legend’s playbook at Old Trafford.

He was handed five new faces before the transfer window closed for Premier League clubs on 1 September.

Mbeumo, Cunha and Sesko all joined United in big-money deals, giving Amorim plenty of firepower heading into the new campaign.

The Paraguayan teenager joined from Club Olimpia in his home country and is seen as an exciting addition for the future rather than an immediate contributor.

Senne Lammens also arrived to strengthen Amorim’s options between the posts. The 22-year-old Belgian goalkeeper came in from Royal Antwerp on deadline day after Manchester United triggered his £12m release clause.

What Phil Jones revealed about David de Gea sets the stage for Man Utd summer signing Senne Lammens

David de Gea ended his time at Manchester United in 2023 after a remarkable run spanning 12 seasons, leaving the club as a free agent.

The former Spain international, who returned to football in 2024 with Fiorentina, overcame a tough start to life in England to firmly establish himself as United’s No.1.

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Manchester United (@manchesterunited)

Phil Jones highlighted what set David De Gea apart during their time together at Manchester United by saying the Spaniard developed “rhino skin” for his role between the sticks.

The former defender spoke about how De Gea handled “errors,” whether they happened in training or during matches for the Red Devils. “When I say rhino skin, he had it,” Jones told BBC Sport.

Adopting David de Gea’s mental approach could be key for Senne Lammens at Manchester United

Senne Lammens made a late move to Old Trafford and is already feeling the weight of expectation at Manchester United.

Since taking over from David de Gea, Andre Onana hasn’t met the high standards set by his predecessor and has struggled to make the role his own.

Lammens, brought in from Royal Antwerp for £18.1m, is now in a good position to push for the starting spot, especially given the uncertainty around Onana’s form.

Photo by Joris Verwijst/BSR Agency/Getty Images

While he showed promise back home, adjusting to the physical demands of English football will be his next big challenge.

Onana and Altay Bayindir have both had difficult spells filled with errors, but Lammens would do well to focus on De Gea’s long-term consistency as a model to follow.

This article first appeared on HITC and was syndicated with permission.

More must-reads: