Manchester United are reportedly targeting Aston Villa goalkeeper Emiliano Martinez as a potential replacement for Andre Onana following a season of inconsistency between the posts.
Although United ended their campaign with a 2-0 win over Villa—thanks to second-half goals from Amad Diallo and Christian Eriksen—the result did little to mask a turbulent year. New manager Ruben Amorim appears set to clear out players who don’t fit his vision, with Alejandro Garnacho reportedly told to find a new club and Onana benched amid poor form.
According to Caught Offside, United have identified 32-year-old Martinez as a top candidate to take over the No.1 spot. The Argentine World Cup winner is expected to leave Villa this summer, with a £40 million fee likely to be enough to secure his services.
Why Martinez Makes Sense for United
Martinez would bring reliability and experience to United’s backline. Despite being in his early 30s, goalkeepers often peak later, and Martinez has shown elite consistency with Argentina and Villa. His sharp reflexes, command in the air, and confidence in playing out from the back make him an upgrade on Onana.
With Villa missing out on Champions League football, a move to Old Trafford may appeal to Martinez. However, interest from Middle Eastern clubs could complicate matters, especially if money becomes a major factor in his next move.
For United, Martinez could be a short-to-medium-term solution as they search for long-term stability between the sticks.