The Manchester United goalkeeping situation might be about to get a big upgrade either way as Senne Lammens and Emi Martinez remain in focus, but the latter has made a big move.
What looked like a one-horse race for Man Utd regarding Senne Lammens suddenly turned into a two-horse one, with the re-entry of Emi Martinez.
By the end of the deadline day, it is looking increasingly likely that the latter will win the race he entered just recently.
That is because Martinez has made his move after Unai Emery’s comments on his future. He’s passed the Man Utd test for prospective signings.
Emiliano Martinez plays a pass while in green Argentina goalkeeper kit.
Photo by JAVIER TORRES/AFP via Getty Images
Emi Martinez makes his move amid Man Utd talks
It can be argued that for what United need right now, Emi Martinez is the better option because of his Premier League readiness and, more importantly, his steely mentality.
He has the personality to play in goal at Old Trafford, which is as important, if not more, than talent, when it comes to playing for Man Utd.
That is why his signing looks more attractive than Lammens’ right now, and he’s further endeared himself to Man Utd fans by making his latest move.
After being omitted from the Aston Villa squad to face Crystal Palace, Martinez has clearly informed his team that he wants to join Man Utd.
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Fabrizio Romano reports that Martinez informed the club of his intention after the game amid the development that he’s already agreed personal terms with United.
🚨🔴 Emi Martínez has told Aston Villa that he wants to join Manchester United.
Clear message again after the game as personal terms are agreed with #MUFC.
Talks continue also re Sancho. 🧩
👀🇧🇪 Man Utd also keep talks active for Lammens… who’s #AVFC target if Dibu leaves. pic.twitter.com/vrnGyVCqel
— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) September 1, 2025
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The prospect of being able to offload Jadon Sancho to Villa in a separate deal is also too tantalising to write off, which is making Martinez far more likely than Lammens at this point.
Martinez has passed the Man Utd test
Martinez’s personality already made him the type of player that teams love to have and hate to face, but with his request to join United, he’s also passed a crucial club test.
So far in the window, United have only gone for players once they make it clear that they want to join the club and no one else.
That makes the negotiations easier because there’s no bidding war to worry about, and the player often makes concessions to facilitate the move.
Now that Martinez has done the same, he’s passed the club’s test for being the ideal signing.
It is interesting that, for all the talks around Lammens, no reliable outlet has reported that he has agreed on personal terms with United, which means he’s not as set on joining United as the board would like.
That alone makes Martinez a far better option, never mind his Premier League pedigree and how he clears the pathway for a potential Radek Vitek breakout in the near future.