Rúben Amorim’s mind on one potential summer transfer for Manchester United has been made up following a shocking error from one star during the Aston Villa clash.
Manchester United wrapped up their 2024/25 season in style with a commanding 2-0 victory over Aston Villa on a sun-soaked afternoon at Old Trafford.
The game burst into life early on, with Mason Mount twice testing Emi Martínez from close range. Rúben Amorim’s side carved out several superb chances in the first 15 minutes, continuing a season-long trend of sharp attacking play without the finishing touch.
United remained on the front foot throughout the first half, and just before the break, Villa were reduced to ten men when Martínez was shown a red card for a reckless challenge on Rasmus Højlund.
After the restart, the Reds maintained their dominance, with Højlund, Bruno Fernandes, and Casemiro all threatening. Villa briefly thought they had equalised through Morgan Rogers, but his effort was ruled out for a foul on goalkeeper Altay Bayındır.
United finally made the breakthrough with 15 minutes remaining as Amad met a pinpoint Fernandes cross to head home. Christian Eriksen, playing his final match at Old Trafford, sealed the win from the spot late on, rounding off the season with a fitting farewell.
United linked with summer move for Martínez
There has been widespread reports in the last few weeks that United will be open to selling first-choice goalkeeper André Onana this summer amid his inconsistent performances and interest from Saudi Arabia.
United are looking to raise as much funding as possible for Amorim to make wholesale changes at the club, and should Onana leave, United will need to sign a new shot-stopper.
According to FootballInsider, United have found themselves in a “well-placed” position to sign Martínez from Villa this summer if they are able to offload Onana for a decent fee.
Despite offers from the Saudi Pro League, the Argentina international would prefer to stay in Europe as he wants to compete at the top level, making United a viable destination for the 32-year-old.
Amorim’s mind will be made up after Martínez’s shocking error
Despite the reported interest in Martínez, his display against United and shocking red card will no doubt have swayed Amorim to look elsewhere for a replacement for Onana.
The 32-year-old’s “idiotic” error at Old Trafford just before the half-time whistle will have done him no favours if he is pushing to leave Aston Villa this summer and score one last big contract in Europe.
Aside from the calamitous error, Villa boss Unai Emery was very firm in stating that the goalkeeper will not be leaving Villa Park this summer, telling TNT Sports ahead of the tie that there is “no way” that this was Martinez’s final game for the club.
Martínez still has four years left on his contract after signing an extension with the club until 2029, but FootballInsider report that he would be available on the market for between £35-40 million this summer.
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