Manchester United have kicked off their move for Aston Villa goalkeeper Emiliano Martinez, with reports in Argentina claiming the club have made the “first formal contact” with the player.
To further boost the Red Devils’ chances, the World Cup winner’s family are reportedly keen on the switch.
United have had a difficult time between the sticks since the departure of David de Gea, with first-choice Andre Onana a model of inconsistency and number two Altay Bayindir not looking up to the challenge.
Bayindir seems set to depart this summer, although was turned down by all four top clubs in his native Turkey, but reports earlier this week indicated that Onana is expected to stay at Old Trafford this summer.
However, Doble Amarilla indicate that United have other ideas and have “begun talks” with Martinez, with officials making “their first formal contacts” with the player’s representatives.
The Argentinian outlet states in no uncertain terms that “the Manchester club’s plan is for Martinez to be their goalkeeper next season”, and point to Onana’s recent cryptic answer when asked about his future.
They note that this looks all the more likely given that the 32-year-old “intends to remain” in the Premier League to “remain competitive” ahead of the chance to defend his World Cup title in 2026.
This gives Ruben Amorim’s side an edge over Barcelona, Atletico Madrid and Galatasaray, all of whom are credited with making informal enquiries for the player.
And perhaps significantly this also plays well with the goalkeeper’s family, who it is claimed have made the decision not to move away from the UK.
If this report is true, United are finally getting serious about strengthening one of their biggest problem positions.
Martinez would be an excellent signing for Amorim, introducing years of experience and quality in the United goal and providing a stability Onana has been unable to maintain.
For his part, the World Cup winner seems desperate to move to Old Trafford and recent reports claim he has already “offered himself” to United, so the sticking point will likely be negotiations with Aston Villa.
Featured image Richard Heathcote via Getty Images
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Joe Ponting Joe has spent more than half his life writing about football and all of it following United. As a child he told a doctor his name was ‘Paul Scholes’, but could never pick a pass like him no matter how much he tried.
