MU was right to sign Martinez.

MU chose Lammens, passing on Martinez this summer.

This decision clearly reflects “Project 150” – a plan to win the Premier League title in 2028, the 150th anniversary of the club's founding (formerly Newton Heath). General Manager Omar Berrada first mentioned this goal in September 2024 and reaffirmed it in June 2025: “Why not aim for it?”

Choosing between the present and the future

Just 12 hours before the transfer window closed, Man Utd requested Lammens fly to Manchester urgently by private jet, instead of calling Martínez – the Argentinian goalkeeper who had been hoping for this transfer since the end of last season. In theory, Martinez was the safer option: a World Cup winner, seasoned Premier League experience, and a strong personality capable of handling the pressure.

However, statistics from last season show that he made 6 direct errors leading to opponent's shots, more than Andre Onana (4). Meanwhile, Lammens, only 23 years old, has only 93 professional matches, including 52 in the Belgian league, 1 appearance in the Champions League (lost to Porto 0-2, November 2023) and has not had any official matches for the Belgian national team. Clearly, the difference in experience is huge.

The difference lies in how Man Utd analyzes data, an area that co-owner Sir Jim Ratcliffe particularly focuses on. According to internal assessments, Lammens excels in metrics such as: catching high balls, blocking shots, preventing goals from rebounds, and minimizing errors.

He had the most saves in the top 10 European leagues last season (173), with a save percentage of 80%.
Ranked second in Europe for the number of goals prevented (compared to expectations).
Their aerial ball save rate was 13.2% - the highest in Europe over the past year.
He has made more "improved" passes than any other goalkeeper under 23 in Europe.

Those statistics make Lammens a name worth investing in. By the 2028 milestone of "Project 150," Lammens will be 26 years old – entering the prime of his career. Martinez, on the other hand, will be 35.

Martinez is 33 years old and doesn't fit into Manchester United's plans.

Manchester United's management also faced a similar choice in attack: Ollie Watkins (Villa) - a striker who had already made a name for himself, or Benjamin Sesko - a promising young talent. They chose Sesko. The difference lies in the fact that Manchester United already had two "ready-to-fight" new signings up front (Matheus Cunha, Bryan Mbeumo). Therefore, they could accept the risk with Sesko and Lammens - "investments for the future".

Risks and challenges

Of course, the risks are clear. Man Utd were eliminated early from the League Cup, so Lammens won't have a low-pressure match to get used to. His potential debut could be the Manchester derby on September 14th – a scenario that's certainly not easy for an inexperienced goalkeeper.

Furthermore, the question of who will be Ruben Amorim's number one goalkeeper remains open. Both Onana and Bayindir have made mistakes, and the club may look to sell one of them, as the market in Turkey, Greece, Saudi Arabia, or Switzerland is still open.

Beyond the data, Lammens is also backed by credible testimonials: Thibaut Courtois and Simon Mignolet both highly rate their young compatriot. “His reflexes are his greatest quality,” says journalist Axel Brisart (HLN.BE). “He’s proactive, likes to rush out to catch the ball, and has the ability to make passes that increase the tempo of the game.”

Lammens is 1.93 meters tall, has an ideal physique, and his style is primarily focused on reflex blocking.

Lammens is 1.93 meters tall, has an ideal physique, and his style is primarily focused on reflex saves. He possesses quick movement skills to anticipate shots, often pushing forward to close angles in one-on-one situations. This approach helps limit danger, but makes him vulnerable to unexpected shots.

Another strength is his proactive approach in aerial duels. However, this eagerness sometimes leads Lammens to rush out in difficult situations, creating chaos in the penalty area. This is an aspect that needs improvement to adapt to the intensity and pressure of the Premier League.

Lammens' footwork hasn't been truly tested yet, as opponents in the Belgian league don't press as intensely as in the Premier League. He usually opts for long passes forward or safe passes, rather than daring short passes.

Manchester United chose the harder, riskier path: instead of a seasoned goalkeeper like Emiliano Martínez, they bet on a young Senne Lammens who possessed impressive statistics and long-term potential.

This is a strategic decision – not just for the 2025/26 season, but also for the larger goal known as “Project 150”. The question is whether Old Trafford has enough patience to wait for a goalkeeper to mature, or whether the risk will be immediately costly in the demanding matches of the Premier League.

Source: https://znews.vn/mu-da-dung-voi-martinez-post1581953.html