Man United slated for missing out on ‘world class’ Emiliano Martinez amid Aston Villa heroics
Emiliano Martinez’s goalkeeping heroics proved exactly what Manchester United are missing after turning down the chance to sign the goalkeeper this summer.
Man United were reportedly interested in Emiliano Martinez this summer but didn’t follow through in signing the World Cup winner.
Senne Lammens was the goalkeeper of choice for Man United, with Andre Onana heading out on loan to Trabzonspor in Turkey.
Altay Bayindir will stay and fight for the number one shirt with Lammens, but Martinez’s heroics in Aston Villa’s 0-0 draw with Everton may make them regret their choices.
Emiliano Martinez pulls off a blinder
Martinez showed off is acrobatic shot-stopping class with a save against Everton to keep the scores level, as Aston Villa search for their first win of the season.
Speaking on Sky Sports’ Gillette Soccer Saturday, Tim Sherwood sang Martinez’s praises but questioned Man United’s choice not to sign the 31-year-old.
“After everything that happened with the transfer, he’s come back and dusted himself down and got on with it, what a character and what a miss for Manchester United,” Sherwood said.
Meanwhile, on BBC 5 Live, Stephen Warnock heaped more praise on Martinez, saying: “Michael Keane wins that initial header and that’s a world-class save by Emiliano Martinez. That’s why the Villa fans are happy to have him back in their goal.”
Manchester United made a bold call with their goalkeeper, but it should pay off
Throughout the transfer window, United’s policy appears to have revolved around signing Premier League proven talents to improve the quality floor of the team.
However, by turning down the chance to sign Aston Villa pairing, Ollie Watkins and Martinez in favour of the less experienced Benjamin Sesko and Lammens, they showed they also have an eye on the future.
| Senne Lammens 2024-25 | |
| Save % | 81.4 |
| Post-shot xG | 44.5 |
| Goals conceded | 32 |
| Launch % | 37.1 |
| Actions outside the penalty area | 21 |
Lammens comes from Belgium with a sense of pedigree regarding his shot stopping, and at 24 years of age, he provides a long term options at Old Trafford.
Bringing in a talented young shot stopper proved to be a fruitful avenue when the club signed David De Gea in 2012, and Amorim will hope Lammens can reflect the impact that De Gea had during his time in the north west.