Insider drops verdict on Emiliano Martinez's collapsed Man United transfer
Below is a summary of the full article. Click here for the full version or go back to LFC Live.net.
Credit: Imago, Hasan Karim, Breaking Media
Callum O'Connell
Tue 2 September 2025 12:51, UK
Emiliano Martinez has been left “disappointed” after failing to seal a deadline day move from Aston Villa to Man United, according to their former scout.
Mick Brown, who worked as the chief scout at Old Trafford and a senior scout at Villa Park, and remains very well-connected at his former clubs, exclusively told Football Insider that the 33-year-old had his heart set on joining Ruben Amorim‘s side.
Unai Emery has refused to discuss the goalkeeper’s future publicly but is believed to be open to reintegrating him into his first-team plans.
Football Insider revealed on 24 August that Emery had no plans to let Martinez leave despite his departure having been seen as “inevitable” earlier this summer.
New signing Marco Bizot had a frustrating start to his Villa Park career after conceding three goals at home to Crystal Palace, and his teammate remains a key part of the plans.
As a result, Martinez has been advised to get back to work and prove to the Villa staff, fans and his teammates that he is still committed to the club.
Credit: Hasan Karim, Breaking Media
This article contains exclusive comment from Mick Brown, a football transfer expert and former chief scout for Man United and Sunderland among others.
MORE FOOTBALL INSIDER STORIES
Brown told Football Insider on 22 August that Man United would miss out on signing Martinez in what could be a “huge mistake” by Amorim’s side.
The former scout, who has a wealth of experience in top-level player recruitment and was instrumental in bringing the goalkeeper to Villa Park in 2020, insisted he will now be forced to get his head down and work his way back into Unai Emery’s plans.
“It’s been a difficult situation at Aston Villa,” he told Football Insider.
“Emiliano Martinez wanted to join Man United, he was clear about that, but eventually it didn’t happen and he’s been left disappointed.
“I’m surprised it didn’t happen, but United decided to go with Senne Lammens instead.
“I think Martinez is a very good goalkeeper, I was instrumental in him going to Villa in the first place.
Credit: Imago
“He’s got his issues of course, he likes to be the focus of attention, but I think he’s a clear upgrade on what they’ve got at Man United.
“Ultimately that deal hasn’t happened and he’s still an Aston Villa player, so he needs to act like it.
“He needs to get his head down and work his way back into Emery’s plans, because I don’t think there are any plans to leave him out long-term.
“Martinez needs to prove to the manager, the staff, the supporters and his teammates that he’s still committed to the club.
“Even though he’s been disappointed by not being able to move on, that’s in the past now and he has to move on with Aston Villa.”
While Martinez did not get the move he wanted on deadline day, Villa were able to complete the signing of Harvey Elliott from Liverpool.
Brown told Football Insider on 2 September that Liverpool accepted a cut-price offer for Elliott and ultimately took a £15million hit on their original asking price.
Credit: Hasan Karim – Breaking Media
Arne Slot’s side had been holding out for a £50million fee throughout the summer transfer window, but ultimately accepted a loan with an obligation to buy for £35million.
RB Leipzig were the front-runners to sign Elliott before Villa made a deadline day move, with the player keen to remain in the Premier League.
For more Aston Villa and exclusive news, follow us on Facebook or join our brand new WhatsApp Channel for instant updates to be sent straight to your phone.