Manchester United seek to end goalkeeping crisis with late move for World Cup winner

World Cup-winning goalkeeper Emiliano Martínez has now moved into pole position for a move to Manchester United to end the keeper crisis.

United manager Rúben Amorim has been left unconvinced by both André Onana and Altay Bayındır, with high-profile mistakes already costing the team valuable points in the early weeks of the season.

The club had been pursuing Royal Antwerp’s Senne Lammens as a longer-term prospect, but attention has now turned to a more immediate solution: Aston Villa’s Martínez.

The 33-year-old Argentina international has been one of the Premier League’s most consistent keepers since moving to Villa Park in 2020.

Known for his commanding presence, penalty-saving heroics, and leadership, Martínez was instrumental in Argentina’s 2022 World Cup triumph in Qatar, where his saves in the final shootout against France cemented his reputation on the world stage.

Reports suggest that United are weighing up whether to make a formal offer before the transfer window closes.

While Martínez is under contract at Villa until 2027 and valued at around £50 million, the goalkeeper is believed to be open to a move if it guarantees him Champions League football. United’s hierarchy view him as an experienced figure who could stabilize the squad at a crucial time, especially as Amorim tries to implement a more aggressive, high-pressing style of play.

A potential deal, however, would not be straightforward. Villa manager Unai Emery has no intention of losing his number one, particularly after leading the club back into European competition.

Selling Martínez so late in the window would leave Villa with little time to find a replacement, meaning United would likely need to pay a premium to test their resolve.

For United, though, the search for a reliable presence in goal has become increasingly urgent, reported the BBC.

Onana, signed just last year from Inter Milan for £47 million, has struggled to adapt, while Bayındır has failed to impress in his rare appearances. Bringing in Martínez would provide not only experience but also a winning mentality—qualities that could prove decisive in United’s bid to return to the top of English and European football.