Emiliano Martinez was reportedly left feeling ‘disappointed’ after he failed to secure a move to Manchester United last summer.

The World Cup winner was on the verge of making the switch to Old Trafford before INEOS chiefs favoured a deal for Senne Lammens.

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What happened between Martinez and United last summer?

At the time, it was claimed Martinez even went as far as agreeing personal terms with the Red Devils, as he prepared to pull the curtains on his Aston Villa tenure after five years. 

However, such talks would soon be rendered in vain, with United preferring the young Belgian over the Argentine veteran.

Ever since their arrival in M16, INEOS have been trying to buy for the future rather than just for the present day, so you can understand why they went for what was considered the riskier route with Lammens rather than the then-32-year-old Martinez.

Appearances Goals conceded Clean sheets 208 254 65

(Martinez’s record in the Premier League with Villa, courtesy of Transfermarkt)

Martinez had seemingly entered the summer window with the expectation he’d be departing Villa one way or another, as he issued a teary-eyed farewell to the supporters during the final home game of 2024/2025 – to then be right back between the sticks as Unai Emery’s No.1 by matchday four in 2025/2026.

How Lammens has fared this campaign

Lammens has since proven to be a stellar addition.

United shelled out £18.2 million to bring him in from Royal Antwerp on deadline day and, after Ruben Amorim eased him into the action for the first few fixtures by playing Altay Bayindir instead, the youngster made his debut on October 4 in a 2-0 home win over Sunderland.

In the 25 appearances he’s made for United thus far, the side have sustained defeat only three times.

“The goalie was bloody brilliant for them tonight”

David Moyes praised Man Utd keeper Senne Lammens after Everton piled on pressure from corners but couldn’t get the nick they needed in the 0-1 at Hill Dickinson Stadium pic.twitter.com/VrpCbui90V

— BeanymanSports (@BeanymanSports) February 23, 2026

When away from Carrington, Lammens, 23, has also enjoyed a major personal milestone at international level; he has now earned two senior caps for Belgium, and is thought to be the heir to Thibaut Courtois’ throne in the national team.

What ex-United scout has been hearing about Martinez

When reflecting on the Martinez transfer saga and Lammens’ eventual arrival, ex-United chief scout Mick Brown told Football Insider: “They wanted him (Martinez) last summer, everybody knew that, and it was a strange situation because he looked like he wanted to leave Villa, but it never happened.

“So he’s had to stay for another season, and I heard he was disappointed not to join United.”