Wife of Man United target casts doubts about move with comments

Manchester United have been linked with Aston Villa goalkeeper Emiliano Martinez.

United were close to signing the Argentina international in the summer of 2023 but eventually decided to snap up Andre Onana instead.

The Manchester outfit reportedly still have a strong interest in Martinez and had contacted him about a move six months ago.

The Argentine sparked suggestions that he wants to leave Villa when he burst into tears after their final Premier League home game.

However, his wife has played down such suggestions, insisting that the 2022 World Cup winner is happy at Villa.

She told BBC West Midlands via Manchester Evening News: “He wasn’t in tears. No. Anybody who knows Emi knows he is an emotional character, and that’s who he is. It just shows you how much he loves the Villa fans. I love the Villa fans. We love Villa.”

Martinez signed a new deal last summer that keeps him at Villa until 2029, implying that United may find it expensive to sign him.

The Villans are relaxed about their goalkeeper’s situation but could listen to offers for him to help their Profit and Sustainability Rules (PSR) status.

United are not prioritising a move for a goalkeeper and are unlikely to sign him this summer.

The Red Devils have instead shown their intent to bolster their attacking options, having signed Matheus Cunha, and are now trying to seal a move for Brentford forward Bryan Mbeumo.

They also want a new striker and have made an initial approach for Sporting CP’s Viktor Gyokeres, but a deal for him could be financially challenging.

While manager Ruben Amorim would like to sign a new goalie, United need to generate funds from sales to make that happen.

Even if funds are raised, United would likely pursue a younger and less expensive goalkeeper rather than move for Martinez.

Article written by Henry Thornton .