Ruben Amorim came ‘very close’ to signing Premier League ‘hero’ before INEOS blocked move

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·19 août 2025

Ruben Amorim came ‘very close’ to signing Premier League ‘hero’ before INEOS blocked move

Manchester United were reportedly on the cusp of facilitating a deal for Emiliano Martinez until INEOS decided to end their pursuit.

Earlier in the summer, it was confirmed by Fabrizio Romano that the Red Devils had a loan bid for Martinez rebuffed by Aston Villa, who had no intention of allowing their No.1 to leave to a direct Premier League rival for nothing.

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United opted against returning with an improved proposal or even with a cash offer, meaning the shot-stopper has stayed put at Villa Park, despite giving his green light to an Old Trafford switch.

Emiliano Martinez to United: What happened?

Martinez was shown a straight red against United on the last day of 2024/2025 for clattering into Rasmus Hojlund. (Photo by Matt McNulty/Getty Images)

Now that it looks almost nailed on that the Reds will stick with Andre Onana, Altay Bayindir, and Tom Heaton over any new addition, Argentine reporter Gaston Edul has shed some light on Martinez’s talks with United.

Ruben Amorim had personally pushed for a new shot-stopper ahead of his first full campaign in the dugout and made it very clear to the Villa ‘hero’ that he was atop the shortlist.

However, INEOS didn’t support the sentiment of shelling out funds to sanction a deal, presumably because the board forked out £47.9 million to bring Onana in only two years prior.

“The deal was very close. The coaching staff, especially Amorim, wanted him and Martinez knew that Amorim wanted him,” revealed Edul.

“Amorim could not convince the United board that it was important to spend on a good goalkeeper.”

United fail in attempt to sign Martinez

Time will only tell whether Sir Jim Ratcliffe and his entourage made the correct decision, with fans already questioning the detrimental impact Onana and Bayindir could have throughout the term.

Martinez, a World Cup winner with his nation, is now likely to see out the term in the Midlands.