‘World-class’ Premier League ace told friends he was joining Man Utd in summer, he was ‘absolutely convinced’

In partnership with

Stretty News

·4 novembre 2025

‘World-class’ Premier League ace told friends he was joining Man Utd in summer, he was ‘absolutely convinced’

Emiliano Martinez was reportedly so certain that he’d be joining Manchester United in the summer that he informed his friends of the proposed switch.

The Old Trafford faithful might remember that in the closing stages of the transfer window, when Ruben Amorim had been left displeased with Altay Bayindir’s and Andre Onana’s opening performances, United began pursuing a new shot-stopper.

Vidéos OneFootball

United’s interest in Emi Martinez: How it played out

(Photo by Carl Recine/Getty Images)

They subsequently went as far as agreeing personal terms with Martinez, who then had his heart set on a move to the 20-time champions after five years with Aston Villa.

However, whilst his head was already in Manchester — to the point Unai Emery left the Argentine, hailed as ‘world-class’ by Gary Neville, out of the squad for Villa’s clash with Crystal Palace when reports were circulating — United had also begun negotiations with another target: Senne Lammens.

The Belgian, who’s 10 years younger than 33-year-old veteran Martinez, had been frequently linked with United throughout the summer. For some reason, they waited until the very final days to materialise their interest.

INEOS went for youth over experience with Martinez snub

(Photo by Gareth Copley/Getty Images)

An agreement was swiftly reached with Lammens, after which INEOS had the green light they needed to hash out the finer details with Royal Antwerp. Eventually, a deal in the region of £18.2 million was finalised in time for a deadline-day unveiling.

Word soon got to Martinez, who was said to be ‘absolutely convinced’ that he’d become a United player before September 1, as per MailSport.

Ultimately, the World Cup winner was made to accept his fate and was restored to Emery’s ranks with no hard feelings.

Lammens, on the other hand, has since made four appearances for the Reds, with the majority of supporters pleased that the board favoured the younger option.