Manchester United reportedly failed with a loan proposal to Aston Villa for goalkeeper Emi Martinez over the weekend.
United eyeing Martinez
United’s goalkeeping department could be subjected to a radical overhaul this summer amidst uncertainty and doubts over the roles of Andre Onana and Altay Bayindir.
Onana suffered a hamstring injury which has ruled him out for pre-season and for the opening stages of the upcoming 2025/26 Premier League campaign. It’s believed United had hopes of selling the Cameroonian but his injury setback has likely scuppered any chances of him departing this summer.
Meanwhile, Bayindir is another who could be allowed to depart if suitable offers for him arrive. A few weeks ago, the Turkey international’s agent was at Carrington to get a better understanding of his role under Ruben Amorim.
Bayindir has been linked with a return to Turkey but a report covered by The Peoples Person relayed that this is not an option he is currently considering.
Martinez has emerged as an option for United, but it has been suggested this deal will only get over the line if Onana leaves.
Last week, reports claimed that discussions between United and Villa over Martinez had begun, with the Red Devils said to be making progress in their bid to land the World Cup winner.
Now, an update has been issued on the situation and particularly events that transpired over the weekend.
United fail with loan offer for Martinez
According to the Daily Mail, United “are ready to approach” Villa about a potential swoop for Martinez, who has been identified as a solution to their goalkeeper “conundrum.”
The newspaper notes, “It is understood United held discussions over the weekend about signing the 32-year-old who, ironically, was sent off in the final match of last season at Old Trafford when Villa lost 2-0 and missed out on a Champions League spot.”
“The prospect of a loan for Martinez, who earlier this summer rebuffed the chance to join the Saudi Pro League, has been discussed but it is extremely doubtful whether Villa would sanction such a deal.”
Martinez penned a new long-term deal with Villa just a year ago, keeping him at the club until 2029. It therefore makes little sense for the Birmingham side to let him depart on loan this window.
The report adds that Villa want £40m to sanction his sale.
Featured image Matt McNulty via Getty Images
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Derick Kinoti
Derick Kinoti is a football writer at The Peoples Person who has covered Manchester United and the game extensively for many years. He is a keen analyst with expertise in SEO and journalism standards. Derick is convinced Wayne Rooney is the true GOAT and won’t hear otherwise!
