Manchester United were reportedly close to signing Aston Villa goalkeeper Emiliano Martinez last summer, according to his agent Gonzalo Goni.
Martinez, who left Arsenal and significantly enhanced his reputation, won the Golden Glove at the 2022 World Cup in Qatar, playing a crucial role in Argentina’s victory over France in the final.
With David de Gea’s contract expiring in 2023, Manchester United needed a new No. 1 goalkeeper. Despite strong interest in Martinez, United ultimately signed Andre Onana from Inter Milan. Erik ten Hag, United’s manager, opted for Onana, a player he previously worked with at Ajax, where they won three Eredivisie titles together.
Goni revealed the close call with United in an interview with ESPN Futbol 12, stating, “Last year he [Martinez] was very close to Manchester United, [but] the coach chose Onana, because he already knew him. But everyone at Manchester United later maintained that the ideal goalkeeper to win was Emiliano Martinez.”
Other factors may have influenced United’s decision. Martinez became a controversial figure at Old Trafford in September 2021 after celebrating in front of the Stretford End following a penalty miss by Bruno Fernandes. Martinez later justified his actions, explaining that he reacted to insults from the crowd throughout the game.
Despite the near-miss with United, Martinez remains a prominent figure for Aston Villa and continues to be a divisive player among opposition supporters.
