Emiliano Martinez was heavily linked with a move to Manchester United throughout the summer transfer window, but the Red Devils eventually signed Belgium keeper Senne Lammens
17:25, 03 Sep 2025
Emi Martinez
Emi Martinez missed out on a move to Man United late in the window(Image: Getty Images)
Emi Martinez insists he remains "happy" despite seeing a dream switch to Manchester United slip through his fingers. The Aston Villa and Argentina shot-stopper had been tipped to depart the Midlands this summer following several outstanding seasons.
He made an emotional goodbye to Villa Park towards the end of last campaign and subsequently found himself high on United's wanted list as they hunted for a new keeper. Though he stayed in contention deep into the transfer window, the Red Devils ultimately went for an alternative option.
They sealed an £18m swoop for Royal Antwerp's Senne Lammens on deadline day. Now that the transfer saga has concluded, Martinez has broken his silence for the first time.
Emi Martinez
The Argentinian goalie shared a series of snaps (file)(Image: Getty Images)
After joining up with his Argentina colleagues ahead of international fixtures, the goalkeeper posted several snaps of himself in Argentina colours with the caption: "Feliz," meaning 'happy', alongside an Argentina emoji.
The reigning world champions are poised to face Venezuela and Ecuador in the coming fortnight during qualifiers for the upcoming World Cup. Whilst Martinez will be eager to concentrate on his national team duties for the time being, Argentina icon Sergio Goycochea confesses he harbours worries about his current mindset, reports the Mirror.
Speaking to TNT Sports Argentina, he said: "It's not the ideal situation to be living in 10 months before the World Cup. He's proven himself. His emergence, his journey, as he himself put it, his mental strength, and the professional support he's had-it's all good.
BRENTFORD, ENGLAND - AUGUST 23: Emiliano Martinez of Aston Villa gestures during the Premier League match between Brentford and Aston Villa at Gtech Community Stadium on August 23, 2025 in Brentford, England. (Photo by Vince Mignott/MB Media/Getty Images)
Martinez was heavily linked with a move to Manchester United(Image: Vince Mignott/MB Media/Getty Images)
"He's a guy with a lot of personality, and all that stuff he puts to his advantage in a lot of situations that make a difference. We'll have to see how it plays out for him right now. That's the only thing that scares me."
Meanwhile, United icon Rio Ferdinand has hinted that he would have preferred his old club to pursue Martinez rather than Lammens.
Speaking on YouTube, he stated: "I just think his experience, he's got the personality, the character, plays for Argentina where the pressure is absolutely immense, he's won a World Cup, he was one of the reasons they won the World Cup, the save in the final, a big moments man."
Man United need as much personality as they need ability coming through that door and I think he fits the bill in that sense completely. ".
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Once the international break concludes, Martinez will be hoping to return for Villa. Marco Bizot has been the starting goalkeeper in two of the club's first three matches, with Martinez in goal for the 1-0 loss to Brentford.