Manchester United could revisit their interest in Aston Villa goalkeeper Emiliano Martinez in January, despite signing Senne Lammens earlier this year. With Ruben Amorim under pressure after a poor start to the campaign, the club are expected to explore reinforcements — and former Red Devils scout Mick Brown believes Martinez remains firmly on their radar.
Amorim and Man Utd struggling with goalkeeping options
Amorim’s side have endured a sluggish start to the Premier League season, winning just two of their opening six games and crashing out of the Carabao Cup to League Two side Grimsby. Despite signing Senne Lammens as competition for Altay Bayindir, Amorim is said to be keen on adding a senior goalkeeper. Brown suggests United could return for Aston Villa’s Martinez, despite their failed move for the Argentinian this summer.
AdvertisementGetty ImagesMan Utd tipped to go for Martinez again
“I’m still surprised they didn’t get Martinez,” former United chief scout Mick Brown told Football Insider. “They wanted him, he wanted the move, but at the end of the day they couldn’t come to an agreement with Villa so the deal collapsed. They’ve gone and got Lammens now, but Amorim has been saying he still wants a goalkeeper, so the recruitment team will be looking at their options.
“I have no doubt Martinez is still one of those, because he’s a top-class goalkeeper and one who would immediately solve the issues they’ve had recently. He’s strong, imposing, a top shot-stopper and a character in the dressing room which it feels like they’re sorely lacking at Man United at the moment. It wouldn’t surprise me at all to see them go back in for him, especially with the manager still demanding a goalkeeper, whether that’s in January or next summer.”
(C)Getty ImagesWould Martinez be open to Man Utd move now?
Martinez was reportedly disappointed to miss out on a move to Old Trafford, having been Amorim’s preferred choice to succeed Onana. The Argentina international has since been reintegrated into Unai Emery’s first-team setup at Aston Villa. However, with Aston Villa enduring an inconsistent start, speculation around his future could resurface if United firm up their renewed interest.
Martinez unlikely to push for January move
Martinez remains under contract at Villa Park and is not expected to push for a move mid-season unless circumstances change dramatically. United’s focus will depend on Amorim’s position and whether Lammens or Bayindir can regain form. Should their struggles continue, the Red Devils could make another attempt to secure Martinez as part of a January reshuffle.