The future of Manchester United’s goalkeeping position is currently up in the air, as club bosses are unsure whether to stick with Andre Onana or look to bring in a new face between the sticks.
Onana has faced much criticism at points during his two years in Manchester, and the 29-year-old has recently been linked with a move to Ligue 1 side AS Monaco. It is believed Onana would like to stay at Old Trafford and fight for his place, but that may depend on any offers the club receive.
United spent £47.2m on Onana in summer 2023 following an important role in Inter Milan’s run to the Champions League final, where they lost to Manchester City. It is believed the Red Devils may want to recoup around £40m for the Cameroon international.
If Onana were to go elsewhere, a top-class option has emerged as a potential replacement in the United goal.
The Sun state that the World Cup winner would be very keen on a move and may push through a “dream” transfer to Old Trafford.
The report states that Argentina hero Martinez has rejected multiple big clubs in “desperate” hope of a move to United, where he would line up alongside close friend and namesake Lisandro Martinez.
‘Emi’ broke down in tears after Villa’s final Premier League home match against Tottenham Hotspur in May, and many believed at the time that was a sign of his Villa Park chapter coming to an end. Recent links with United have made an impending departure seem more probable, and these latest reports reveal that Old Trafford is the preferred destination of a man who has been named the best goalkeeper in the world twice in the last three years at FIFA’s Best Awards.
Amorim is reported to be a “huge admirer” of Martinez, feeling his leadership qualities would be a great fit for his Man United project as the Portuguese aims to bring the club back to where they feel they belong.
Martinez has shone at Aston Villa:
Martinez has been a crucial part of Aston Villa’s meteoric rise under Unai Emery, playing a key role both on and off the pitch as the West Midlands outfit went from bottom-half dwellers to Champions League quarter-finalists.
Martinez also became a World Cup winner, making an unforgettable contribution in final victory over France, during his time as a Villains player, in a memorable period for both player and club.
Manager Unai Emery and Villa teammate Morgan Rogers heaped praise on their goalkeeper earlier this season following an outstanding performance in a 3-1 victory against Fulham at Craven Cottage.
“Emiliano Martinez is the best goalkeeper in the world. Before the penalty, I was sat down on the bench dreaming he would save it… and he did,” said Emery.
Rogers continued: “That’s why he’s the best. That’s what he does. If it goes 2-1, anything can happen in the game.”
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