Man United given clearest indication yet over Emi Martinez deal as Aston Villa make statement
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Credit: Hasan Karim - Breaking Media
Edward Bazeley
Sun 31 August 2025 18:50, UK
Manchester United have been given a significant boost in their pursuit of Aston Villa goalkeeper Emi Martinez.
The Argentina international was left out of Unai Emery’s matchday squad for Villa’s Premier League clash with Crystal Palace on Sunday, 31 August.
Amid the poor goalkeeping performances from both Altay Bayindir and Andre Onana, Man United have eyed a move for Martinez.
Meanwhile, the fact that the 32-year-old was nowhere to be seen on Villa’s team sheet indicates that the West Midlands club could be willing to sell him.
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Despite Man United’s 3-2 victory over Burnley on Saturday, 30 August, the Red Devils have endured a largely slow start to the season.
Bayindir made a costly error when the Old Trafford side were beaten 1-0 by Arsenal in their opening Premier League game, while Onana was poor in their Carabao Cup defeat to League Two Grimsby Town.
Consequently, Ruben Amorim‘s men are keen on Villa’s Martinez.
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Meanwhile, Emery opted to select summer signing Marco Bizot against Palace on 31 August, with Sam Proctor featuring as the sub goalkeeper.
Football Insider verdict
Football Insider have exclusively revealed that Man United are working hard to offload Jadon Sancho, Rasmus Hojlund, and Tyrell Malacia before the transfer window closes on Monday, 1 September.
Emi Martinez statsPremier League 2024/25Appearances37Clean sheets8Saves100Martinez excelled for Villa last season
Facilitating those exits will help Amorim make the additions he needs before the international break and the rest of a challenging Premier League season.
Bayindir and Onana’s poor performances in recent weeks show that the goalkeeper spot is a particular priority for Man United to strengthen before it is too late.
Meanwhile, Martinez’s Villa career, as well as the vital role he played in Argentina’s 2022 World Cup triumph, shows that he would be a significant upgrade between the sticks for Amorim.
The 32-year-old showed his class by maintaining eight clean sheets in the Premier League last season, while he also helped Aston Villa reach the FA Cup semi-finals and the Champions League quarter-finals.
Man United must improve on last term’s poor top-flight finish, and Martinez should be the right man to help them do that.