Manchester United have been informed they can achieve a strong Premier League position this season, but only if they eventually manage to sign Aston Villa goalkeeper Emiliano Martinez
Manchester United have been told they can practically guarantee a top-five finish by making one more key signing in the form of Aston Villa’s Emiliano Martinez. Head coach Ruben Amorim has been busy rebuilding his squad this summer after a disappointing first Premier League season.
United’s attacking options have been significantly bolstered following the arrivals of Matheus Cunha, Bryan Mbeumo and Benjamin Sesko. Brighton ace Carlos Baleba has also emerged as a target as the Red Devils look to add to their ranks in midfield.
One area of the pitch where Amorim is still facing a dilemma is between the sticks as he aims to bring in competition for current No.1 goalkeeper Andre Onana. The Cameroonian missed United’s pre-season campaign because of a hamstring injury and committed several high profile mistakes last season.
Paris Saint-Germain shot-stopper Gianluigi Donnarumma is one name who has been linked with a move to Old Trafford.
However, French newspaper L’Equipe claims that terms have already been agreed between him and neighbours Manchester City, as Pep Guardiola looks set to hijack any transfer to United, despite having already re-signed James Trafford from Burnley this summer.
Former United and Wrexham keeper Ben Foster has now called on his old team to turn their focus back towards signing Aston Villa’s Martinez.
A loan move for the Argentinian was reported earlier in the transfer window, and was said to have been rejected by Villa. Foster believes he could be the missing piece to help United achieve a top-five finish this season, which would now secure them Champions League football for the following campaign.
Speaking on his Fozcast podcast, he said: “United have got a better chance of doing it this year. I’ve loved United’s transfer window. I think it’s taken them and changed them from having another mid-table disappointment of a season to genuinely looking like competing alongside Newcastle and Villa.
“I think that if United get off to a good start, they can finish fifth this season. If they get another goalkeeper in, and if Emi Martinez has signed for Man United, they finish fifth this season.”
Martinez triggered worries among Villa fans that he was set to leave the club after what appeared to be an emotional goodbye at the end of last season. As he exited the pitch following the final home game of the campaign, he tearfully waved to the supporters before heading off the pitch.
Sky Sports discounted Premier League and EFL package
Sky has slashed the price of its Essential TV and Sky Sports bundle ahead of the 2025/26 season, saving members £192 and offering more than 1,400 live matches across the Premier League, EFL and more.
Sky will show at least 215 live Premier League games next season, an increase of up to 100 more.
Villa are understood to have told United that it would take an exceptional offer of around £40million to sell their starting keeper.
Last month, The Athletic reported that the club would not be continuing its pursuit of Martinez due to the asking price and significant wage demands.
Meanwhile, ex-Arsenal defender Philippe Senderos thinks United should consider swooping for Inter Milan goalkeeper Yann Sommer.
“I think Yann Sommer is a very, very experienced player and a calming presence,” Senderos told BoyleSports. “He makes the defence better because of that presence.
“I can’t really judge Andre Onana in this situation, but if United were to target Yann Sommer, I’d really believe he’d add invaluable experience.
“It’s about how he is as a person, how he is on the pitch. He’s a great character and amazing in what he brings to a defence. We’ve seen it with Inter Milan and Bayern Munich the year before.”
Man United’s 2025/26 Third Shirt
Manchester United have unveiled their new third kit for the 2025/26 season.
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2025-08-13 14:26:05
