Thibaut Courtois has given his seal of approval to Manchester United[1]‘s new goalkeeper Senne Lammens, but Rio Ferdinand[2] has admitted he would have preferred Emiliano Martinez[3] at Old Trafford.
United landed Lammens in a £21.7million deal from Royal Antwerp on deadline day, with the Belgium international signing a five-year contract.
The Red Devils had tracked Aston Villa[4]‘s World Cup-winning goalkeeper Martinez, who even spent deadline day at Bodymoor Heath in the hope of a move.
The 32-year-old was keen on the switch and had spoken to Argentina team-mate Lisandro Martinez[5], but United never tabled a formal bid.
Villa were said to be holding out for £30m and Martinez’s wages were higher than Andre Onana[6]‘s, factors that contributed to the collapse of the deal.
Instead, United pressed ahead with a younger option and struck terms with Antwerp for Lammens, prioritising potential over Premier League[7] pedigree.
Thibaut Courtois has given his seal of approval to Manchester United ‘s new goalkeeper Senne Lammens
United landed Lammens in a £21.7million deal from Royal Antwerp on deadline day, with the Belgium international signing a five-year contract
That decision has sparked debate. Ferdinand revealed on his YouTube channel that Courtois, Belgium’s long-standing No 1, had sent him a voice note vouching for Lammens.
He let me know about Lammens because he’s a Belgian player, and he was just giving me the heads up as to what he’s like,’ Ferdinand said.
‘He said he’s a huge talent, obviously not experienced yet but he thinks his style will be well-suited to the Premier League as well. So that’s a recommendation from probably one of the best three goalkeepers in the world, Thibaut Courtois, so I’ll take that.’
But Ferdinand then underlined his concern: ‘I keep seeing people talk about the talent and whatnot, but the problem is, can Man United afford to wait for talent to develop at this point in time? That’s the question.’
The former England defender added he had been ‘all-in’ on Martinez, adding: ‘I just think his experience, he’s got the personality, the character, plays for Argentina where the pressure is absolutely immense, he’s won a World Cup, he was one of the reasons they won the World Cup, the save in the final, a big moments man.
‘Man United need as much personality as they need ability coming through that door and I think he fits the bill in that sense completely.’
Daily Mail Sport understands United were not alone in hesitating over Lammens. Sunderland and Leeds both enquired earlier in the summer but dropped out when they learned Antwerp’s asking price.
Scouts saw potential but felt it was too much of a risk to install him as first choice in the Premier League.
Rio Ferdinand has admitted that he would have preferred Aston Villa’s Emi Martinez at United
The 32-year-old was keen on the switch and had spoken to Argentina team-mate Lisandro Martinez , but United never tabled a formal bid
The decision also comes against the backdrop of United’s chaotic goalkeeping picture. Onana has been dropped after a string of errors, Bayindir has struggled since replacing him, and Tom Heaton remains as veteran cover.
All eyes turn to Lammens, who could make his debut in the Manchester derby at the Etihad after the international break.
References
- ^ Manchester United (www.dailymail.co.uk)
- ^ Rio Ferdinand (www.dailymail.co.uk)
- ^ Emiliano Martinez (www.dailymail.co.uk)
- ^ Aston Villa (www.dailymail.co.uk)
- ^ Lisandro Martinez (www.dailymail.co.uk)
- ^ Andre Onana (www.dailymail.co.uk)
- ^ Premier League (www.dailymail.co.uk)