Former Premier League defenders Jamie Carragher and Rio Ferdinand were both surprised to see Manchester United pursue Senne Lammens instead of Aston Villa goalkeeper Emi Martínez.

The 33-year-old Martínez was keen to join United, but the Red Devils chose not to make an official approach to Villa, opting instead to target the younger Lammens.

Martínez will now remain at Villa Park, despite being open to a move all summer - a decision that left Liverpool legend Carragher particularly surprised.

“I was expecting Emi Martinez to come in yesterday for Manchester United, just on the back of Unai Emery’s interview before the game against Crystal Palace on Sunday night,” he said. “So I am surprised that hasn’t happened.

“The Belgian lad [Lammens] is obviously a young goalkeeper with great

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