All the latest Manchester United news as Ruben Amorim gears up for a busy summer transfer window
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Manchester United captain Bruno Fernandes
Manchester United captain Bruno Fernandes(Image: Bradley Collyer/PA Wire)
Bruno Fernandes and Emiliano Martinez could have an awkward reunion at Old Trafford this summer, if recent reports are to be believed. The 32-year-old goalkeeper has been linked with a move to Manchester United after a tearful farewell to Aston Villa supporters.
Unai Emery's side stormed past Tottenham Hotspur at Villa Park on Friday night, winning three crucial points in the race for UEFA Champions League qualification. Martinez, who still has four years left on his contract, kept his 15th clean sheet of the season, and eighth in the Premier League.
After the game, the Argentina international appeared to bid farewell, emotionally applauding the home fans. The Sun has since reported that Aston Villa are in the market for a new shot-stopper, and they've shortlisted Caoimhin Kelleher.
The Liverpool goalkeeper faces an uncertain future, with Giorgi Mamardashvili arriving at Anfield this summer. The Sun claims that United are monitoring Martinez's situation at Villa Park, but they face tough competition for his signature from Barcelona.
Manchester United have been linked with a surprise swoop for Emiliano Martinez.
Manchester United have been linked with a surprise swoop for Emiliano Martinez.
It's said that the Argentine has also attracted interest from the Saudi Pro League. If United were to sign Martinez, he could be in for an awkward reunion at Carrington with Fernandes.
In September 2021, Ole Gunnar Solskjaer slammed the Aston Villa goalkeeper and his teammates for harassing the United midfielder in the build-up to a penalty. Martinez goaded Cristiano Ronaldo before Fernandes took his spot-kick.
The Argentine's antics worked, and he missed. Martinez then taunted the home faithful at Old Trafford and performed a little dance. Aston Villa went on to win 1-0, with Kortney Hause beating David De Gea in the final minutes of the game.
Martinez managed to put off Fernandes sufficiently for the United player to miss his penalty
Martinez managed to put off Fernandes sufficiently for the United player to miss his penalty
A couple of years later, Martinez explained the story behind his encounter with Fernandes. Speaking to Ian Wright and Oriana Sabatini on Behind The Game, the former Arsenal goalkeeper said: "I saw Ronaldo disappointed for not taking it, and I thought there is tension here.
"I said, 'Come on, you take it now. He (Ronaldo) doesn't want to shoot'. I said to Cavani, 'Why is Ronaldo not shooting?'"
Martinez, who was seen jumping up and down, swaying side to side on his line, credited Lionel Messi for his tips. The Aston Villa shot-stopper added: "It's not even trash-talk.
Aston Villa's Emiliano Martinez looks on during the Premier League match between Crystal Palace FC and Aston Villa FC at Selhurst Park
Emiliano Martinez looks on during the Premier League match between Crystal Palace FC and Aston Villa FC at Selhurst Park
"I create chaos. It was the 92nd minute of the game, I have to distract him in some way because they've got everything to win. Bruno, he didn't miss a pen for 25 pens or something.
"I asked Messi and he said when you move all around the place like that, they don't like it. I was dancing not because I want to dance. I never practised that. I don't know how to do it now, that just came out in the moment.
"The strikers they said 'We pick a spot', and the quality they've got they can put the ball in the spot. So if you're moving around so you create chaos, actually we see different spots."