Whilst it didn’t happen for ex-Rangers star Sam Lammers at Ibrox, the Dutchman has just left a big impression at Old Trafford.
Rangers forked out around £3m to bring Sam Lammers to Glasgow last summer but the deal didn’t work out and after only six months, the striker was back in the Netherlands.
After a barnstorming second half of the season with FC Utrecht, Lammers joined FC Twente on a £2.7m deal this summer and has found form back in his homeland.
Next up for the striker was a Europa League trip to face Manchester United at the famous Old Trafford.
Come full-time, it was the Dutchman’s name on everyone’s lips as Sam Lammers silenced the mighty Manchester United throng.
Sam Lammers silences Manchester United
Rangers fans have gotten used to Sam Lammers impressing since returning to the Netherlands.
But we don’t want to rewrite history and suggest that the 27-year-old hitman was built for the challenges of life at Ibrox.
There is a big difference between playing for FC Twente and playing for Rangers and it’s telling that the ex-Atalanta striker has found his level at the Eredivisie side.
But all things considered, we can’t take away from what was a monumental Sam Lammers contribution in FC Twente’s impressive draw against Manchester United in England.
After Christian Eriksen had given the Red Devils a first-half lead, up popped Sam Lammers with a second half equaliser to earn a 1-1 draw.
The gangly striker robbed the ball from the Danish goalscorer and tore into the United box before rifling a left-foot shot beyond Andre Onana.
Who’d have thought it?
Ex-Rangers striker hails ‘beautiful’ Europa League moment
Speaking after the match, Sam Lammers has been rejoicing in what he describes as a ‘beautiful moment’ for everyone at FC Twente.
Earning a draw at Manchester United is no mean feat and the Eredivisie side deserve credit, with Rangers set to take inspiration ahead of a trip to Old Trafford later in the Europa League group stage.
Asked about the goal full time – with the result heaping the pressure on Erik ten Hag at United – Sam Lammers expressed his delight and claims FC Twente were unlucky not to win the game.
“I am a very happy person, what a beautiful moment,” Sam Lammers said, as quoted by Twente Fans. “Enjoying, enjoying.
“He just turned away from the goal and the angle was difficult. We knew we would get opportunities.
“Even at 1-1 the ball just shot off my foot. But we fought really hard.
“It’s even more exciting on the bench than on the field, but this is a great feeling.
“Could a win have been in it? It was a fairly even match, except for the last ten minutes.
“But before that it was equal. If you play out some counters a bit better, you might be able to get a win.
“But this is a beautifully fought point.”
Sam Lammers scored two goals in 31 appearances for Rangers last season. Conversely, the striker has hit four in nine since moving to FC Twente.
