Report: Manchester United Consider Deadline Move for Wold’s Best Goalkeeper

Manchester United’s search for a reliable goalkeeper has intensified, with Emiliano Martinez at the centre of growing transfer speculation. The Aston Villa keeper was absent from his club’s squad during their 3-0 home defeat to Crystal Palace, raising fresh questions over his future.

After the loss, Villa manager Unai Emery admitted that discussions were ongoing. He told Sky Sports the club “have to fix” the situation, adding: “One of the situations we are speaking about is Emi Martinez, but we will see tomorrow. We have to fix it with him.”

Villa remain winless in the Premier League this season, losing twice and drawing once. They are also the only side across England’s top four divisions yet to score a league goal. Emery has not hidden his frustration as the transfer window nears its conclusion. Speaking to BBC Match of the Day, he said: “We need others, of course. I am happy with the players we have, but we have to get something more in the squad. We have some circumstances that are not helping us. Tomorrow the transfer window is finishing. Hopefully, we can keep balance with the squad after it.”

When pressed on Martinez’s absence, Emery repeatedly responded “Bizot”, a nod to Marco Bizot, the keeper selected to start against Palace. Meanwhile, Palace defender Marc Guehi, who has attracted a £35 million bid from Liverpool, scored his team’s second goal in the match.

At Old Trafford, there is recognition that United’s current goalkeeping situation is far from secure. Manager Ruben Amorim summed it up after their 3-2 win over Burnley, admitting: “I think it is hard to be a Manchester United goalkeeper in this moment.” Both Andre Onana and Altay Bayindir have struggled, with Bayindir’s error at Turf Moor almost costing United vital points before Bruno Fernandes’ injury-time penalty spared them.

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This instability has placed renewed focus on United’s transfer targets. Martinez remains an option, but Villa have already dismissed the idea of a loan move earlier in the summer. The 32-year-old is a World Cup winner, a two-time FIFA goalkeeper of the year, and has 197 Premier League appearances behind him.

Another name in the frame is Senne Lammens, the 23-year-old Belgian at Royal Antwerp. Negotiations are underway, with United exploring the possibility of signing him before the transfer deadline. Lammens has been omitted from Antwerp’s last two games, and the Belgian club are under pressure to sanction a sale to ease financial commitments.

Lammens has made clear he wants the move, but his lack of top-level experience stands in stark contrast to Martinez’s proven pedigree. Galatasaray are also monitoring the situation, with interest in both Lammens and potentially Bayindir or Onana, depending on United’s decision.

United insiders have indicated that only one goalkeeper will arrive before the window closes at 19:00 BST on Monday. The choice lies between gambling on potential or securing a battle-hardened winner.

For Manchester United , this could prove one of the most defining transfers of the summer. Martinez may yet depart Villa Park after what appeared to be a farewell to supporters last season, while Lammens represents the allure of youth and long-term planning.

What is clear is that United must act decisively. Their goalkeeping issues cannot be allowed to undermine ambitions for the campaign, and the next few hours could dictate whether stability is finally restored between the posts.