World Cup winner performs dramatic u-turn after talks with European giants, United thought they had it in the bag – report

Aside from the attack, most Manchester United fans would point to the goalkeeping department as an area in urgent need of reinforcement.

Neither André Onana nor Altay Bayındır have truly commanded the position, delivering inconsistent performances that have left Ruben Amorim unconvinced.

Multiple reports, relayed by The Peoples Person, have highlighted United’s desire to secure another top-tier goalkeeper.

One name persistently linked with a move to Old Trafford is Aston Villa’s Emiliano Martínez.

There have been clear hints that the Argentine’s time at Villa Park is up. And with Aston Villa’s PSR issues following their failure to qualify for the UEFA Champions League, he has been packaged as the perfect asset that the Premier League side can sell.

A World Cup winner, the 32-year-old is still regarded as one of the game’s elite shot-stoppers, even after a relatively quiet 2024–25 campaign.

Martinez is a perfect Onana upgrade

Pundits like Ben Foster, while commenting on United’s interest in him, suggest he is an upgrade on Onana.

United were expected to reopen dialogue with Aston Villa, having made initial contact during the winter window, regarding a possible deal for the 2024 goalkeeper of the year.

However, Galatasaray appears ready to derail those plans. The Turkish giants are reportedly determined to sign the former Arsenal man this summer.

Recently, The Peoples Person relayed claims that Martínez is set to reject Galatasaray’s approach and is “still waiting for a call from Manchester” before the transfer window closes.

Galatasaray’s determination in Martinez’s chase

Yet that optimism has been tempered by a conflicting update from Turkish journalist Sami Yen Haber, who claims:

“Emiliano Martínez is keen on coming to Galatasaray. Negotiations are ongoing between the clubs.”

Emiliano Martínez , Galatasaray’a gelmeye sıcak bakıyor. Kulüpler arasında görüşmeler sürüyor.

— Sami Yen Haber (@_samiyenhaber) June 11, 2025

That revelation has left some United fans worried, hoping the club will finally show their hand and act decisively.

Some would go as far as wanting United to do everything necessary to hijack the Turkish club’s move.

But will they?

We will have to wait and see

However, one cannot help but question whether INEOS has a clear plan for Amorim’s goalkeeping department. Onana still believes he is the first-choice goalkeeper, and each day, without a concrete move for a top goalkeeper, it is understandable why.

Still, there are high hopes for next season

While all focus has been on reinforcing the attack, United ought to be keen not to lose out on quality signings who could see them reclaim their competitive edge.

Feature image Alex Livesey via Getty Images

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