United Eye Premier League Proven Keeper as Onana Replacement | OneFootball

Manchester United Eye Premier League-Proven Talent in Summer Rebuild

Shift in Strategy Under INEOS

Manchester United appear to be pivoting in their recruitment strategy this summer, targeting players with proven Premier League pedigree, suggest reports from TeamTalk. The shortcomings of recent signings such as Jadon Sancho, Antony, Rasmus Højlund and Joshua Zirkzee, who dazzled abroad but have struggled domestically, have not gone unnoticed by the new regime led by INEOS. That change is evident in their serious pursuit of Aston Villa’s World Cup-winning goalkeeper Emiliano Martínez.

Martínez on United’s Radar

TyC Sports journalist Gastón Edul, who is regarded as a trusted voice on Argentine football, has confirmed Manchester United are intensifying their efforts to land Martínez. The club appear ready to upgrade their goalkeeping ranks, with the Aston Villa man expected to replace André Onana should a deal be struck.

“Manchester United are making concrete moves for Emiliano ‘Dibu’ Martinez,” revealed Edul. “They are seriously interested and he’s a priority for Amorim. Aston Villa and Man Utd are already in talks. Negotiations still need to continue but as of now [Man Utd] are the club that has made the most progress for him and shown the greatest interest.”

Reports suggest Villa may be open to letting Martínez go after a turbulent campaign, though his price tag of £40 million could prove a sticking point. With the keeper now 32, United are expected to negotiate a lower fee, but his experience and winning mentality may prove invaluable in a high-pressure environment.

Premier League Familiarity Valued

The shift towards players familiar with the English game appears strategic. INEOS want dependable performers who have already proven they can handle the physicality and intensity of Premier League football. The anticipated third bid for Brentford’s Bryan Mbeumo and interest in Matheus Cunha further underlines that intent.

Summer Market Heats Up

While talks progress for Martínez, Manchester United are also circling talents at Brighton and Villa beyond the Argentine. The club are showing ambition and pragmatism, and while past errors cannot be undone, the future may be shaped with smarter, experience-based recruitment.

Our View – EPL Index Analysis

As an excited Manchester United supporter, this shift in recruitment strategy feels long overdue. For years, the club’s scattergun approach in the market has prioritised hype over consistency. Finally, we are seeing clear direction: players who have already done it in the Premier League are being targeted.

The pursuit of Emiliano Martínez speaks volumes. He is a proven winner, a vocal presence, and has the edge that Old Trafford’s dressing room has lacked since the David de Gea era ended. While Onana showed improvement late last season, Martínez would bring a mentality and confidence that could galvanise the backline. At 32, some might worry about longevity, but United need leadership right now.

The fee might be high, but what price do you put on stability in goal? If INEOS and Amorim can bring in someone like Martínez while also securing deals for players like Mbeumo and Cunha, there’s real hope this rebuild could finally be built on solid ground rather than expensive illusions.

Let’s hope this is not just paper talk, but a summer that marks a new, smarter Manchester United.