Ideally, Manchester United need a new goalkeeper next season, with Andre Onana proving far too unreliable. Recent reports have suggested Emiliano Martinez of Aston Villa could be just the man.
The 29-year-old United shot-stopper has committed nine errors in all competitions since joining United in 2023, the most among any top-flight keeper. And this season, he has let his team down in both the Premier League and Europa League.
The Peoples Person relayed recently that the 20-time English league champions have offered the ex-Inter Milan ace to Saudi Pro League sides with Neom SC among the first to show interest.
Givemesport have claimed that the Red Devils will only join the race for the Villa No 1 should Onana leave in the summer. The United No 1’s wage demands and INEOS’ asking price could prove to be a stumbling block.
Emiliano Martinez chase
But acquiring the Argentine will be far from easy, considering the interest he is generating all across Europe and in the Saudi Pro League.
While initially Barcelona were seen as United’s biggest competition, they have since exited the race and now, Atletico Madrid are gunning for the World Cup winner.
“Manchester United will be in the mix to sign 6 ft 5 colossus Martinez if Onana seals his exit during the summer, according to GMS sources, but Amorim is in danger of facing significant competition for a deal as Atletico Madrid and Saudi Pro League outfits are also showing interest in striking a deal with Aston Villa.
“GMS sources have been told that Aston Villa are expected to sell Martinez if a bid in the region of £40 million is tabled, but Manchester United’s biggest competitors for a deal could prove to be Atletico Madrid as the La Liga heavyweights are in the market for a new custodian ahead of Jan Oblak potentially being given the chance to leave as part of a squad refresh.”
The 32-year-old has kept 15 clean-sheets in all competitions while Onana has managed a meagre 11 clean-sheets in all competitions.
Atletico Madrid eyeing Emiliano Martinez
Martinez is also much more adept at commanding his box, and is a superior shot-saver. Even though the Cameroon international is strong with his feet, it has not always been on display for the Old Trafford side.
The Argentina international is reportedly open to leaving Villa even if Champions League football is secured by Unai Emery’s men, while he wants to stay in Europe, and not chase the riches of the Middle-East, which provides United the chance to pounce.
It has already been mentioned that INEOS are set to focus on other areas and not the goalkeeping position and the Villa man’s price remains quite high.
So it will be interesting to see whether the co-owners actually prioritise the position in the summer. It must be remembered that both backup keepers Altay Bayindir and Tom Heaton could also depart in the summer.
Feature image Richard Heathcote via Getty Images
Follow us on Bluesky: @peoplesperson.bsky.social
Ayantan Chowdhury
Ayantan has worked for 10 years in the Indian sports media industry, writing for the biggest newspapers and websites but his heart was always set on writing about his favourite club. Currently an editor at The Peoples Person. You can follow him on X: @ayantanc_25
