United Monitoring Martinez as Villa Goalkeeper Remains on Radar Despite Summer Snub

Emiliano Martinez hasn't gone away as a Manchester United target, it seems. The Aston Villa goalkeeper remains on the Red Devils' watchlist, per reports, even after the club elected to pursue alternative options during the summer window.

Martinez was widely expected to depart Villa Park last year. The Argentine international waved an emotional farewell to supporters at their final home fixture of the 2024/25 campaign, only to remain when a move failed to materialise. United had been linked with his signature, though he was also courting interest from Saudi Arabia.

Instead of landing the 33-year-old, United brought in Senne Lammens, the 23-year-old prospect who has provided a steadying influence after two seasons of Andre Onana's inconsistency.

Yet sources suggest the Old Trafford hierarchy haven't shelved their interest entirely. Former United chief scout Mick Brown has indicated the club are still eyeing goalkeeper reinforcements, with Martinez featuring prominently on their list. Villa, meanwhile, may be willing to listen to offers come summer, particularly given competition from Inter Milan.

"Martinez will definitely be one to watch for Man United," Brown told Football Insider. "Lammens has done well since coming in — I think he's looked solid and reliable — but they could do with a real top-class goalkeeper. Martinez certainly fits that bill. I think he's still one of the best in the world when he's at the top of his game and he would certainly be an improvement."

The former Arsenal man has hardly set the world alight this season, though. A statistical comparison between the two goalkeepers tells an instructive tale. Across the 2025/26 Premier League campaign, Martinez has made 18 appearances to Lammens' 20, conceding 17 goals versus 25. His save percentage stands at 74.6% compared to Lammens' 64.2%, while he's registered five clean sheets against his rival's two.

Where Martinez's credentials begin to slip is in consistency. He's made three errors leading directly to goals—more than any other Premier League goalkeeper this term. He doesn't crack the top eight for clean sheets, nor the top ten for saves. He has managed to save a penalty, joining six other shot-stoppers in that achievement, and boasts the second-best save percentage in the division.

The question hanging over any potential transfer is whether a £20million-plus investment genuinely represents value. Martinez undoubtedly carries World Cup-winning pedigree and the mentality of a genuine leader. Yet United have just upgraded from a problematic goalkeeper to a dependable young option. The upgrade required to justify the outlay simply isn't there on the evidence of this season.

It feels increasingly likely that the Martinez window has closed for United, who have far more pressing transfer priorities elsewhere on the pitch.