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Peter Schmeichel has shared his thoughts on Emi Martinez before Man Utd market decision

Originally posted on HITC | By Dan Coombs | Last updated Sep 1, 2025 2:45 PM ET

Despite links to Manchester United through all the transfer window, a move for Emiliano Martinez did not materialise on deadline day.

The Red Devils revisited their earlier interest in Emiliano Martinez, as they continued their search for a new goalkeeper.

Martinez had been left out of Aston Villa’s squad for their match against Crystal Palace, which raised some eyebrows and fuelled talk that he could be on the move. But as it turned out, United had other plans.

Instead, they brought in Senne Lammens from Royal Antwerp, while any deal for the Argentine goalkeeper fell apart.

While Lammens has plenty of upsides, Martinez is already proven at this level. No one would have questioned his ability to step straight into the side and deliver.

While Lammens is an exciting talent, Martinez was a known quantity who could quickly solve Man United’s problems, which makes the board’s decision controversial.

Peter Schmeichel speaks highly of Emiliano Martinez

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Former United goalkeeper Peter Schmeichel has previously shared his admiration for Emi Martinez, praising the Aston Villa shot-stopper multiple times.

During an appearance on the Stick to Football podcast, he discussed how Martinez’s choice to leave Arsenal in 2019 played out.

“Martinez, I think he has proven Arsenal wrong, for sure. I think he’s a big personality and I think he’s helping that team [Villa] a lot.”

Schmeichel also commented during the 2022 World Cup, highlighting several of Martinez’s strengths as a goalkeeper.

“I like the way you said he’s an old-fashioned goalkeeper in modern-day football. I like that he comes for crosses. Not many goalkeepers are coming for crosses. Coming for crosses is one of the most difficult parts of goalkeeping.

“Then I look at the one-v-ones. He’s very good at that. His catching the ball. He’s very good at catching the ball.

“But where I think he is very, very good is his distribution… That’s a proper weapon.”

United’s set piece struggles need addressing

This season, the Red Devils have struggled with set pieces, as both Altay Bayindir and Andre Onana have made errors resulting in goals.

Martinez’s ability to dominate his area and willingness to come off his line would have provided a solution. Beyond that, his personality and Premier League experience would certainly make a difference at Old Trafford.

Senne Lammens has potential, and while he still needs to improve his distribution, he’s already strong in aerial situations.

This article first appeared on HITC and was syndicated with permission.

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