Manchester United have been told that Emi Martínez would love to sign for their club this summer despite many options elsewhere.
Manchester United’s summer rebuild is in full swing, with Rúben Amorim moving decisively to shape the squad ahead of the 2025/26 season.
Jonny Evans, Christian Eriksen, and Victor Lindelöf will all depart when their contracts expire, while Alejandro Garnacho has reportedly been told he is free to find a new club. Rasmus Højlund is also available for transfer if the right offer comes in.
United are looking to sell Marcus Rashford, Antony, Jadon Sancho, and Tyrell Malacia, with expectations of generating over £100 million to support Amorim’s transfer plans.
The new manager is focused on strengthening the attack and midfield, targeting players who offer greater creativity, control, and physical presence.
With the backing of the board, Amorim is leading one of the most significant squad overhauls in recent years, aiming to build a team capable of thriving in the high-intensity environment of the Premier League.
United told Martínez would relish summer transfer
While much of United’s current transfer focus is on improving the front line, there is also the possibility that United will want to replace goalkeeper André Onana with a more capable and experienced player.
Amid Amorim’s want for those with Premier League experience, the club have been linked with Aston Villa shotstopper Emi Martínez, who is available for around £40 million this summer.
Speaking to The Sun, former Villa goalkeeper coach Neil Cutler has explained that Martínez would relish the challenge of playing for United, having been voted as the world’s best goalkeeper on multiple occasions.
“This summer is pivotal for Emi in terms of his career,” Cutler detailed. “He’s been voted the best goalie in the world twice, and there seems to be an opportunity for him this summer, with all of his options open. Big clubs are queuing up to speak to hi,m and he either stays at a massive club like Villa or he goes to a truly world-class club.
“I don’t think it’s about money with Emi, so I don’t think he is ready to move to Saudi yet. If he does move, it would be to a much bigger club — one of the really big-hitters like Barcelona, Real Madrid, Atletico… or even Manchester United.”
“United can’t offer him Champions League football, but the sheer size of the club and the size of the challenge might appeal to Emi,” he added. “Emi has the confidence required to play for a massive club like United and would feel he could affect the club in a really positive way. He would look at United and say: ‘Right, I can make this place better. I can help this club get back to where it was’.
“He’s all about the challenge, he’s all about the drive and the desire, so I think United would suit him. He thrives on the biggest occasions and could play for any team in the world, as he’s shown by winning the World Cup and Copa America with Argentina. He would be a comfortable fit at United and would hit the ground running.
“It’s all down to what Villa want, but at 32, they will know this is when they can get the maximum return on him. If they hold off until next year, they’d get less. Unai needs a possession-based goalie, and the keepers he’s been linked with are top-class and younger.
“It could be one of those times when it suits all parties. I’m a big Villa fan, so I’d love to see him stay – and I wouldn’t be surprised to see Emi lifting the Europa League trophy for Villa in 12 months’ time.
“But I also want to see him play at the highest level possible and, if one of the really big hitters comes knocking, then he could have a huge decision to make.”
Onana won’t be moved on unless a suitable offer arrives
It has been detailed in the media that United do not consider any of their players untouchable this summer, with the club willing to entertain serious bids for any of their current crop.
However, sources informed UtdDistrict last month that despite his inconsistent performances, Amorim remains a fan of Onana despite his faults across the 2024/25 campaign.
Onana had been linked with a move to Saudi Pro League side Neom earlier this month, but talks are said to have halted, with the Middle Eastern club assessing other potential options.
However, United are likely still going to engage in talks with various Saudi representatives this summer amid Al-Hilal’s push to sign Bruno Fernandes, while Al-Nassr have been touted as admirers of Garnacho.
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