Goldbridge On United’s Goalkeeping Future as Amorim Eyes Emi Martinez | OneFootball

Why Emi Martinez Could Be Key to Man United’s Revival Under Ruben Amorim

As Manchester United continue to limp through another turbulent summer window, fans are clinging to shreds of hope. One such hope, discussed in detail by The United Stand’s Mark Goldbridge in a recent podcast, revolves around a bold move for Emi Martinez, with Ruben Amorim seen as the man to lead that change. With transfers stalling and optimism draining, the idea of bringing in the Aston Villa goalkeeper has sparked rare positivity.

Martinez, Amorim and the Future of Man United

Goldbridge was clear in his frustrations about the state of the rebuild and what it would take to give him belief again. “From this point, if we could get Ollie Watkins, Emi Martinez and Mbeumo, and we’ve got Cunha, I’ll take that. At least it gives me something to go into the new season with,” he said. For a fanbase used to hearing transfer promises fall apart, this was more than a wishlist, it was a cry for hope.

Crucially, the idea of signing Emi Martinez is not idle speculation. “It’s a very credible source. It says we’re in discussions with Aston Villa and we’re making a move for him,” Goldbridge confirmed. That would align with the managerial plans of Ruben Amorim, who, according to The United Stand, is keen to replace Andre Onana. “Amorim wants to replace Onana and he should be replacing Onana,” Goldbridge added, referencing the club’s internal stance during the March international break.

Timing, Mentality and Experience

Goldbridge believes now is the time to strike. “Now’s the perfect time because Onana’s injured,” he noted. “Any genuine ambitious football club would replace Onana.” The issue, as always with Man United, lies in execution. “I just can’t see us dropping the money for Martinez without moving Onana on. I just can’t see it,” he admitted.

And yet, Goldbridge sees Martinez as a potential game-changer. “He has the aura. He has the mentality. He has the experience and he has the ability. I think it’s a very, very intelligent move if we make it.” Reflecting on United’s history of failed keepers post-Schmeichel, he called Martinez’s potential signing “a big, big move.”

This wouldn’t be United’s first attempt at replacing an underperforming goalkeeper, but in Goldbridge’s eyes, it would be one of their smartest if pulled off. “I remember Schmeichel being replaced by Bosnich, Villa goalkeeper. It was a nightmare… Then Van der Sar came along,” he recalled. The implication is clear: Emi Martinez could be the next Van der Sar, not the next Bosnich.

Amorim’s Role and United’s Uncertain Direction

The mention of Ruben Amorim is more than incidental. The Portuguese coach, viewed by many fans as a beacon of tactical evolution, is said to be behind the push for a new goalkeeper. “We had the exclusive on that in the international break. Amorim wants to replace Onana,” said Goldbridge.

This ambition from Amorim appears to be clashing with the current limitations of the club’s transfer policy. “You can’t be dictated to by the staff. You can’t say, ‘we’d like to replace you’, and then that player goes ‘well I’m not going anywhere’ and you go ‘OK, he can stay’,” Goldbridge argued. The frustrations with how United operates under the Ineos-led structure run deep.

Yet, despite his scepticism, Goldbridge is not completely without belief. “I’m not going to write it off… even though the source is good, even though it’s the right thing to do,” he said. Like many fans, he wants United to act decisively, for once.

Final Thoughts

There is no mistaking the scale of the task at Manchester United, or the limited patience left among supporters. But in Emi Martinez and Ruben Amorim, Goldbridge sees glimmers of a new identity. “Maybe there’s a chance of a scraping fifth,” he mused, hardly the ambition of years past but perhaps the reality of the club’s current state.