Man United Have ‘Opened Talks’ to Sign 32-Year-Old World-Cup Winner | OneFootball

Martinez Shows Interest in Manchester United Switch

Manchester United’s goalkeeping situation could be heading for another summer reshuffle. According to ESPN Argentina, Aston Villa’s Emiliano Martinez is keen on a move to Old Trafford, as United search for a more consistent presence between the posts.

The World Cup winner, now 32, has maintained elite form since helping Argentina lift the trophy in Qatar. At Aston Villa, he’s grown into a commanding Premier League presence, combining leadership with match-winning saves in both domestic and European competitions.

Photo IMAGO

Onana’s Future Under Scrutiny

Martinez’s potential arrival coincides with increasing uncertainty surrounding current number one Andre Onana. The Cameroonian was signed from Inter Milan for £47 million last summer, but a string of high-profile errors and inconsistent showings have raised doubts about his long-term role.

To add to the intrigue, Onana recently refused to rule out a future move away from Old Trafford during an interview while on international duty in Burkina Faso. Such ambiguity is not what Ruben Amorim will want heading into a vital campaign.

Martinez a Natural Fit for United’s Ambitions

Reliable, vocal, and with the aura of a leader, Martinez could be precisely what United’s defensive unit needs. His shot-stopping ability and commanding box presence would bring clarity to a position that has lacked it this past year.

For Martinez, the chance to join Manchester United may represent the last major leap in an already remarkable career arc. Having lifted the World Cup and performed consistently for Villa, the Argentine’s next step might naturally lead to a club with global standing and regular Champions League expectations.

Photo: IMAGO

Villa Unlikely to Sell Cheap

While the interest is mutual, United will have to pay up. Martinez remains a vital part of Unai Emery’s plans and a core reason behind Villa’s resurgence under the Spaniard.

Villa’s Champions League qualification ambitions could further complicate negotiations. However, if United act swiftly and decisively, their project and prestige could be difficult for Martinez to ignore.

Our View – EPL Index Analysis

This interest in Emiliano Martinez feels like overdue pragmatism. Onana was brought in with high expectations, but far too often, his composure has faltered in crucial moments. While he’s an excellent distributor, goalkeeping is about more than playing from the back, it’s about presence, command, and reliability.

Martinez offers all three. He’s been sensational since his days at Arsenal, and even more so at Villa and for Argentina. He’s vocal, he organises his defence, and he relishes the big moments. That’s exactly what United need right now, someone who won’t wilt under the pressure of an Old Trafford evening or a Champions League knockout.

Of course, the price tag will be steep, but how long can we afford to be patient with inconsistency in goal? Martinez might not be a long-term solution at 32, but he could be a decisive one for the next three seasons, and that matters more right now.