Manchester United have a problem with their goalkeeper, and it's been obvious in the early stages of this season.
Andre Onana and Altay Bayindir have both played during their opening four games of 2025/26 and both have made some pretty dreadful errors. That was a pattern during their wretched 2024/25 campaign, too, as the Red Devils endured their worst ever Premier League finish and lost the UEFA Europa League final to Tottenham.
It seems they may be taking steps to fix things.
According to rumours on August 31, first reported by Fabrizio Romano and Mike McGrath, United have explored the possibility of signing Emiliano Martinez from Aston Villa. This follows interest earlier in the transfer window, when they enquired about the possibility of a loan deal.
At the same time, talks are ongoing with Royal Antwerp over Belgium Under-21 international Senne Lammens. United will almost certainly sign only one of them, and their choice could have ramifications for their current goalkeeping options.
The Sporting News looks at the latest developments below.
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Will Man United sign Emiliano Martinez?
Fresh reports on August 31 suggested that Man United could still sign Martinez before the transfer deadline on September 1, but there is no guarantee that the move will happen.
Fabrizio Romano reported that the Red Devils had agreed personal terms with the Argentina international and would then speak to Villa regarding a possible transfer fee. Laurie Whitwell, The Athletic's Manchester United correspondent, added that Martinez may not be in the Villa squad for their Premier League game with Brentford later that day. It was later confirmed that the player was not in Unai Emery's group.
However, United are only expected to sign either Martinez or Lammens, not both. Essentially, they will need to decide which keeper they would prefer to bring in. If they do choose Martinez, Lammens is said to be among Villa's targets to replace their current No. 1.
Mike McGrath said Lammens was United's priority and that talks with Antwerp were ongoing.
MORE: How tall is Senne Lammens? Everything you need to know about Man United target
How old is Emiliano Martinez?
Martinez will turn 33 on September 2, 2025, and it's possible that this will influence United's decision over the next day or so.
While he is an elite-level, World Cup-winning goalkeeper with Premier League experience, Martinez represents less of a long-term option than Lammens, who is only 23.
If United consider them of comparable quality, they may consider the younger keeper to be a more sensible investment.
Will Man United sell Andre Onana or Altay Bayindir?
United's decision over whether to sign Martinez or Lammens could dictate what happens with Onana and Bayindir.
Simon Stone of the BBC reported that Lammens, who is wanted by a number of clubs, is a target for Turkish giants Galatasaray. Should United go for the Belgian, Gala could then make an offer for either Bayindir or Onana. The Turkish Super Lig's transfer window does not close until September 12, so they would have plenty of time to strike a deal for one of United's keepers.
Regardless of Gala's interest, United are unlikely to keep four goalkeepers on their books — they have veteran Tom Heaton as third choice — for the rest of the season. If a new man comes in, they will look to move someone out. The issue is whether there are enough suitors prepared to make a decent bid for players who are so badly out of form. This is particularly true of Onana given United paid over £43 million to sign him from Inter Milan two years ago, as they are unlikely to get close to recouping that fee.