Ruben Amorim Has Last Laugh Over Man United Transfer Target He Was Mocked For

Ruben Amorim, formerly of Manchester United, is vindicated after the club passed on his key transfer recommendation: Aston Villa goalkeeper Emiliano Martinez, a World Cup winner with Argentina.[1][2]

Amorim faced mockery and internal clashes at United over his transfer vision. At 40, he clashed with director Jason Wilcox and head of recruitment Christopher Vivell, who dismissed his picks for analytics-driven young prospects with resale value. Amorim pushed for proven Premier League winners to steady the squad.[2]

The goalkeeping dispute was pivotal. With Andre Onana and Altay Bayindir inconsistent, Amorim targeted Martinez, 33, who was eager to join for around £40 million—a bargain for his elite quality. The board rejected it, prioritizing potential over experience.[2]

Broader rejections included seven targets Amorim deemed essential: four from his old club, Sporting CP—Geovany Quenda, Ousmane Diomande, Salvador Bopah, and Morten Hjulmand. A "Ten Hag Rule" blocked ex-Sporting signings, fearing an overload like Erik ten Hag's Ajax imports struggling in England. Others reportedly included Ollie Watkins and Nuno Mendes.[2][5]

These denials fueled Amorim's exit, leaving United fifth but vulnerable, four points above 14th. Interim boss Darren Fletcher inherited a disjointed team. Recent reports show Amorim now at United insists on "common ground" with Wilcox for January deals, admitting differing views: "Sometimes I have one idea, Jason and the board have another."[3]

Amorim's Martinez call gains traction as Villa thrives, proving his eye for immediate impact. Fans lament what-ifs, pondering if board backing could have saved his tenure and lifted United higher.[1][2]

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