Senne Lammens, the Manchester United goalkeeper, is embracing the physical demands of the Premier League following a gritty 1-0 victory at Everton.

Monday’s clash at the Hill Dickinson Stadium saw Everton repeatedly test Lammens by crowding his six-yard box during corners and unleashing several long-range efforts, but the 23-year-old Belgian, formerly of Royal Antwerp, stood firm to continue an impressive start to his Premier League career.

Many foreign goalkeepers struggle initially with the physicality of English football, but Lammens thrives on it, helping United climb back into the top four under caretaker manager Michael Carrick.

“For me, it’s just the way it is,” Lammens said Thursday. “It is the Premier League. It’s also physicality and a bit of war in the (penalty box). It’s one of my strengths, so sometimes I like the challenge as well.”

He added: “Of course, there have to be certain rules — it can’t get to the point where it’s too much. But I enjoy it too, getting out of my comfort zone a little bit and dealing with those situations. Even though there were a lot of bodies around me, I still came out for crosses, so that gives me a good feeling that I’m doing well and handling those situations properly.”

United secured Lammens on transfer deadline day in September for £18 million, and he has since displaced “,”turkish footballer”], who had taken over from Andre Onana between the posts.

Despite this being only his second season in senior football, the 6ft 4in (1.93m) goalkeeper has adapted quickly to the pressures of representing a high-profile club like United.

“I said a couple of weeks ago that I couldn’t really imagine it going any better,” Lammens explained. “But I don’t want to dwell too much on the past. It’s been great, but I still have to prove myself every week.”