Despite this, United have shown ambition in the transfer market, having already signed Wolverhampton Wanderers playmaker Matheus Cunha.
Brentford winger Bryan Mbeumo has likewise given the green light to join the Red Devils. The club are expected to hold talks with the Bees over a £60 million deal.
TyC Sports in Argentina now report that the Red Devils have the ‘strongest interest’ in signing Aston Villa goalkeeper Emiliano Martinez.
The club contacted the Argentina international six months ago, but they ultimately opted to stick with Andre Onana for the campaign.
There is no official offer on the table, but Villa plan to demand a high fee for Martinez’s exit.
United unlikely to pursue new goalkeeper
Onana has been United’s regular shot-stopper since his move from Inter Milan two years ago.
The Cameroon international has produced some stand-out performances, but he has also been guilty of making 12 errors, with eight of those leading to goals.
This has led to criticism from some fans and pundits, and there has been speculation that Onana could move to Saudi during the summer transfer window.
As things stand, the Red Devils have not received any lucrative bids for the former Ajax man, who was signed for £47.2 million from the Nerazzurri in 2023.
In our view, a new goalkeeper should be the least of United’s priorities for the transfer window.
United should not contemplate Onana’s exit unless they can recoup the funds spent on him.
Even then, a move for Martinez does not make sense. The Argentine, described as ‘world-class‘ by iNews, will turn 33 in September. He has shown signs of regression.
The former Arsenal man was responsible for three errors leading to goals last season and possibly cost Villa a Champions League spot with his red card at Old Trafford.
He would not provide a big upgrade on Onana between the sticks. Moreover, Unai Emery’s side may not grant his transfer easily as he has four years left on his contract.
The Midlands outfit may demand a premium fee to sanction his sale. We don’t see a deal happening.
If United were to recoup a big sum from Onana’s exit, they should focus on landing Torino star Vanja Milinkovic-Savic for a cut-price fee. His contract expires next summer.
