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Man United could make a renewed effort to land for Premier League star in 2026

Originally posted on We All Follow United
By Jainil Shah | Last updated Oct 6, 2025 3:49 PM ET

Manchester United could return for Emiliano Martinez in 2026

There have been a lot of headlines about the goalkeeping situation at Old Trafford of late, with Altay Bayindir keeping his place between the sticks at M16 until that fixture against Sunderland ahead of the international hiatus.

It was just against the Black Cats that the deadline day arrival Senne Lammens took charge of that role with the gloves. He was brought in at Carrington in the final hours of the summer window, but it was not always him…

United were linked with a move to bring Argentine World Cup winner Emiliano Martinez quite aggressively. So much so that Unai Emery had to drop him from Villa games. But that transfer didn’t end up materialising given that the chiefs at Old Trafford preferred a younger profile who would be more of a long-term solution to the keeping woes.

And just as it looked like the Manchester Reds were stable at the back with their choice of the Belgian prospect, there are fresh reports linking the former Arsenal star with a possible move to Man United. Despite staying put during the summer window, the 33-year-old goalkeeper could still end up pushing for a move away, especially given the inconsistent form at Villa Park in the 2025/26 campaign.

United back in for Emi Martinez?

Latest reports from Football Insider insist that Martinez remains a key target at M16. They suggest that the Premier League heavyweights are considering a renewed approach for him next summer. And former United chief scout Mick Brown believes that Martinez still fits the keeping profile that United wants perfectly. He went on to describe him as a player who “ticks a lot of boxes” given what he brings to the roster at Carrington.

Speaking on the Inside Track podcast, he went on to explain the whole situation. He said:

“Of course the window closed with Martinez and United brought in Senne Lammens, but he’s more of a long-term goalkeeper, so if they are wanting an experienced option then obviously Martinez ticks a lot of boxes for them.

“His long-term future at Aston Villa is still up in the air considering everything that happened in the summer, and I’m sure he could be tempted to make a move.

“It would be difficult to do a deal in January, but if they’re still in need of a new goalkeeper next summer, then it may be something they look at again.”

WAFU Opinion

Martinez was reportedly open to move to M16 and was disappointed when a deal didn’t materialise. And while Unai Emery has since reintegrated him into the first team, his position with his current employers still looks a bit unresolved. That is where United could take advantage.

While bringing in Emi won’t necessarily help in the long term, he can stabalise the ship. He can act as a possible bridge till someone like Lammens is ready to take over as #1 for the longer haul, as United initially planned.

This article first appeared on We All Follow United and was syndicated with permission.

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