Real Madrid goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois backs new Man Utd signing Senne Lammens

In a surprising turn of events, Manchester United finalised a 21.7-million-pound deal for Senne Lammens from Royal Antwerp, securing the goalkeeper on a five-year contract.

The transfer, sealed on deadline day, reflects the club's strategy to prioritize a younger prospect with "potential over Premier League pedigree."

Former United defender Rio Ferdinand revealed that Courtois, a fellow Belgian and one of the world's top goalkeepers, personally endorsed Lammens via a voice note, adding significant weight to the young keeper's arrival at Old Trafford.

"He let me know about Lammens because he's a Belgian player, and he was just giving me the heads up as to what he's like," Ferdinand said.

"He said he's a huge talent, obviously not experienced yet but he thinks his style will be well-suited to the Premier League as well.

"So that's a recommendation from probably one of the best three goalkeepers in the world, Thibaut Courtois, so I'll take that."

This decision to sign Lammens comes despite the club also tracking Emiliano Martinez, Aston Villa's World Cup-winning goalkeeper.

Ferdinand had openly stated his preference for Martinez, who was reportedly "keen on the switch" to United and had even discussed the move with his Argentina and United teammate, Lisandro Martinez.