Manchester United faced a decision between signing Senne Lammens or Aston Villa goalkeeper Emiliano Martinez in the summer.
It was decided over the summer that Manchester United needed to upgrade on Andre Onana and an £18m deal for Senne Lammens followed on deadline day.
Lammens has been superb in his debut season at Old Trafford, providing a much-needed calming presence to the defence.
But Ruben Amorim wanted to sign Emiliano Martinez before being overruled by Ineos, who preferred the data they had collected on Senne Lammens.
Senne Lammens against Newcastle
Photo by George Wood/Getty Images
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Senne Lammens ranking
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Man United fans got the Lammens vs Martinez debate right
Despite Martinez’s World Cup-winning portfolio, United fans wanted to sign Lammens in the summer despite the 23-year-old being a relatively unknown talent.
Ineos agreed and ended up shelving plans to sign Martinez in order to win the race for Lammens. Had United gone for Martinez, Villa wanted to sign Lammens as his replacement and had even agreed a fee with Royal Antwerp.
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As we approach the business end of the season, it is fair to say United will be pleased with their decision.
Lammens is a captain in the making. On and off the pitch, he has been superb for the Red Devils, and he has cemented the goalkeeper spot as his own. Given his age, he could keep it for a decade.
In contrast, Birmingham World report that Villa are open to selling Martinez in 2026.
Do you agree with Edwin van der Sar over his Lammens praise?
He was excellent against Everton, but is he the long-term goalkeeper for United?
Edwin van der Sar quotes on Senne Lammens
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Senne Lammens vs Emiliano Martinez comparison
When United go up against Aston Villa this weekend, both teams will be looking to land a blow on the opposition’s Champions League hopes.
Senne Lammens Premier League Stats (25/26) Emiliano Martinez
23 Appearances 25
29 Goals conceded 26
53 Saves made 72
67.1% Save percentage 73.2
READ MORE: Senne Lammens explains Michael Carrick’s half-time message to Man Utd, the players did the opposite
Lammens has been key to United’s push for a top-five finish, keeping five clean sheets in the Premier League.
Impressively, Lammens ranks in the top 1% for crosses claimed, which has helped United to deal with the growing threat of set pieces this season.
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