Manchester United are set for a busy transfer deadline day, with at least one major arrival looking likely.
Ruben Amorim might not have expected it, but he will be watching with intrigue to learn whether or not he will have new players in his team for the Manchester derby.
One position in particular will be on Amorim’s wishlist at Manchester United, that being a new goalkeeper, with neither of his current number one or two inspiring confidence.
Against Burnley, Altay Bayindir once again had a howler, and as a result, United needed to act, which is exactly what has now been happening.
United are pushing for Emiliano Martinez as we head into deadline day, with personal terms agreed with the Argentine World Cup-winning goalkeeper.
Martinez was absent from Aston Villa’s squad vs Crystal Palace and certainly looks the most likely addition for United.
Emiliano Martinez plays a pass while in green Argentina goalkeeper kit.
Photo by JAVIER TORRES/AFP via Getty Images
Edwin van der Sar thinks Emiliano Martinez is top-class at saving penalties
Like with Matheus Cunha and Bryan Mbeumo, Martinez’s career in the Premier League means fans already know all about him and his strengths, but also weaknesses.
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Gary Neville has asked United to sign Martinez, with the goalkeeper having the mentality needed to cope with the demands of being a shot stopper for the Red Devils.
Well, back in March, legendary United keeper Edwin van der Sar spoke about Martinez. He was asked by Goal whether the 32-year-old was among the top 20 goalkeepers in world football.
“In the top 20, at the moment, he is, yeah.”
The Dutch shot stopper was then asked if he was in the top 10, to which he responded, saying, “I don’t think so.”
Van der Sar did then add one quality Martinez does rank in the top 10 for.
“But on penalties, for sure.”
To have a goalkeeper rated so highly at saving penalties is a real blessing, with United’s penalty shootout loss to Grimsby proving the value of saving spot kicks, as Onana managed to keep just one of 13 out.
Emiliano Martinez’s penalty record vs Andre Onana and Altay Bayindir
Martinez has made it clear he wants to join United, and if he arrives, he is an instant upgrade on the current options, with the personality that the likes of Peter Schmeichel had in goal.
After Van der Sar’s verdict on Martinez’s shot-stopping, it was worth comparing how his record compares with Onana and Bayindir.
Martinez – 40 faced, 8 saves
Onana – 50 faced, 7 saves
Bayindir – 33 faced, 5 saves
This shows Martinez has a better record than both, although not as impressive as you would have thought; however, it doesn’t include shootouts.
BBC Sport has laid out Martinez’s x-factor in shootouts, winning his last five for club and country.
Signing Martinez is an excellent short-term solution, with Radek Vitek potentially ready to take over next summer.