The Athletic journo has weighed in on one Red Devils target. (Photo by Carl Recine/Getty Images)
Manchester United remain actively scouring the market for potential further additions before 2025/2026 gets underway.
Having already bolstered Ruben Amorim’s attack with the arrivals of Bryan Mbeumo and Matheus Cunha, fans have begun pondering whether a defensive reinforcement will be sought following a campaign in which United let in 54 Premier League goals.
Links to a new goalkeeper have indeed been rife in recent weeks, with the likes of Gianluigi Donnarumma, Senne Lammens and, more commonly, Emiliano Martinez all being touted as options on INEOS’ shortlist.
United’s interest in Emiliano Martinez: What’s been said?
Martinez, 32, left Villa Park perplexed in his final home game of 2024/2025 when he appeared to bid a tearful goodbye to supporters, despite being contracted to Aston Villa until 2029.
In fact, he only put pen to paper on the five-year bumper deal last August, before expressing his gratitude for the environment Villa allowed him to flourish in.
“I became the best in the world here,” the shot-stopper told club media, as cited by the BBC. “I want to continue developing myself. I’ve got an amazing goalie coach and an amazing manager.”
Yet, a week ago, Fabrizio Romano revealed Martinez was essentially waiting on a call from United after setting his sights on a surprise switch to Old Trafford. It was subsequently reported that the club had had a loan bid rebuffed by Villa to take him on loan throughout the forthcoming term – a deal which would’ve posed little to no value for the West Midlands outfit.
United cool Martinez pursuit after rejected loan bid
It remains to be seen whether United will return with an improved proposal before the window slams shut in September. For now, they’re putting their interest in the World Cup winner on the back burner.
In The Athletic’s new edition of The Transfer Deal Sheet, Laurie Whitwell ruled out a new approach for Martinez in the near future unless there is a ‘major change’.
There is ‘no sign Andre Onana is leaving’, meaning the Reds cannot meet Villa’s price demands or Martinez’s personal wage demands.
#MUFC rule out further approach for Emi Martinez after #AVFC reject loan offer, unless there is a major change.
No sign Andre Onana is leaving, so club cannot commit to big fee + wages for Martinez.
Updates @TheAthleticFC Transfer DealSheet ⬇️https://t.co/AgheX7TLvL
— Laurie Whitwell (@lauriewhitwell) July 29, 2025
