Despite 23-year-old Belgian goalkeeper Senna Lammens’ impressive debut, Manchester United could attempt to acquire Aston Villa’s Argentine international Emiliano Martínez in 2026. Ruben Amorim sought to secure him during the summer window but was unsuccessful, resulting in the £18 million signing of Lammens.
"Football Insider" reports that Martínez still wishes to depart Villa, with Manchester United as his dream destination. Even after signing a new goalkeeper, Amorim is not fully satisfied with the current goalkeeping options, so both parties might reconnect during the January transfer window.
Former Manchester United chief scout Mike Brown said: "I’m still surprised United didn’t sign Martínez this summer. United wanted him, and he wanted to move, but the club couldn’t reach an agreement with Villa, so the deal fell through. United have now signed Lammens, but Amorim said he still wants a goalkeeper who can immediately take the number one spot, so the transfer team will consider their options. I have no doubt Martínez remains one of them. He’s a top-class keeper who can instantly solve United’s goalkeeping issues. He’s strong, commanding, technically excellent, and a leader in the dressing room — qualities United currently lack. Whether in January or next summer, if United pursue Martínez again, I wouldn’t be surprised, especially since the coach urgently wants a goalkeeper."
The 33-year-old Martínez is disappointed that his dream move to Manchester United did not materialize this summer. He has returned to Emery’s starting lineup, but an invitation from the Red Devils could attract him once more. Of course, if Lammens continues to perform consistently well in upcoming matches, Martínez’s Old Trafford dream may fade, leaving him to seek opportunities in the Saudi Professional League or Major League Soccer.
Another position Manchester United plans to strengthen next year is the right wing-back. Amorim’s 3-4-3 system demands a lot from wing-backs. Since taking charge, he has signed left-back Patrick Dogu and might focus on the right side next summer. The 40-year-old Portuguese coach tried to convert the €40 million right winger Amad Diallo to a defensive role, but unfortunately, he did not meet the defensive standards.
The current right-backs Mazraoui and Diogo Dalot are players suited to a four-defender formation, and Mazraoui has also been troubled by injuries this season. Therefore, bringing in a new right-back is no surprise. Amorim had long wanted to sign his former Sporting Lisbon player Giovanni Quenda, but Chelsea swooped in and took him instead.
Now, transfer expert Graeme Bailey says Manchester United is scouting three right-backs from La Liga for potential future signings. Earlier rumors revealed United’s interest in Real Sociedad’s 23-year-old Venezuelan right-back Jon Aramburu, who has also attracted attention from Manchester City.
Additionally, Atlético Madrid’s 27-year-old Argentine international Nahuel Molina, and Espanyol’s 22-year-old Moroccan defender Omar El Hilali, are also on the target list.
Bailey explained: "Manchester United has not overlooked the fact that they are considering other wing-back options for 2026, which is an important issue. It seems Dalot does not have a long-term future; if he leaves, the team will clearly need reinforcements. Is the experiment of playing Amad as a wing-back working? I’m not sure."
Among United’s three target players, Molina was a key figure in Argentina’s World Cup-winning squad, having earned 54 caps for the Albiceleste. He is well acquainted with Martínez and United’s Lisandro Martínez, requiring minimal adaptation. Manchester United is still in the early stages of seeking a potential right-back signing, but the club’s focus on this position is crucial.