Man United tipped to return for ‘world-class’ Premier League ace in 2026 after failed loan bid this summer

Manchester United could, surprisingly, reignite their interest in Emiliano Martinez, despite signing goalkeeper Senne Lammens on deadline day.

Dismal starts to the campaign from both Altay Bayindir and Andre Onana, the latter of which had been demoted to second-choice in Ruben Amorim’s rankings, prompted INEOS to act on the market in the final days of the window.

They reportedly agreed personal terms with Aston Villa’s ‘world-class’ vice-captain Martinez , before opting against taking the deal any further and instead pursuing a younger alternative in the form of the 23-year-old Belgian from Royal Antwerp.

(Photo by Octavio Passos/Getty Images)

It came after Bayindir conceded four goals in United’s opening three Premier League matches, whilst Onana added yet another error-filled showing to his already lengthy catalogue at Blundell Park, when the Reds were knocked out of the Carabao Cup in the second round to League Two Grimsby Town.

The Cameroonian, signed by Erik ten Hag in 2023, has since green-lit a move to Trabzonspor, having been informed by United chiefs that he could leave once Lammens’ transfer was finalised.

Unfortunately for Onana, options were limited at the time he started scouring the market for suitors, as only clubs in Turkey, Greece and Saudi Arabia could still do business.

Bayindir, who was brought in to play second fiddle in the same window that Onana arrived at Old Trafford, is now poised to battle it out with Lammens to determine who takes the No.1 spot for the coming eight months.

It is, of course, presumed that the new arrival will swiftly fill the role between the sticks, although there are some doubts as to whether he’ll be thrown straight in the deep end after arriving from the Belgian Pro League.

In fact, Ben Jacobs believes that if Lammens were to struggle to get to grips with the demands of the English top flight, United could add one more shot-stopper to Amorim’s ranks in the new year.

“Right now, I would say Senne Lammens is the number one. I think he’s been brought in to carry that mantra at least until January, and then if the window opens and they decide we need to make another play at Emi Martinez or a more experienced goalkeeper, they will. I think they’ll still go out in 2026 and add another goalkeeper,” Jacobs told The United Stand .