Manchester United have been linked with a move for Aston Villa goalkeeper Emiliano Martinez, who has already revealed exactly what he thinks of two potential Old Trafford team-mates
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Emiliano Martinez of Aston Villa reacts during the Premier League match between Manchester City FC and Aston Villa FC at Etihad Stadium
Aston Villa's Emi Martinez has lauded two Man United stars amid speculation he's a target for the Red Devils
(Image: Getty Images)
Emiliano Martinez could be heading for the Aston Villa exit this summer, and Manchester United have emerged as a potential new home for the goalkeeper. The Argentina No. 1 is reportedly a fan of at least two players he could potentially join at Old Trafford next season.
Speculation is mounting that Martinez, who still has four years left on the five-year contract he signed in 2024, is open to a change of scenery, per The Mirror. Reports suggest there's significant interest from clubs in Saudi Arabia, with Atletico Madrid and United are also being mentioned as possible contenders for his signature.
The World Cup-winner was visibly moved after Villa's final home game of the Premier League season, a 2-0 victory over Tottenham. When asked about his future following the match, he hinted at a possible departure, saying: "Of course, it is the last match [of the season] here, and I don't know."
However, he could find some familiar faces at Old Trafford in the form of Lisandro Martinez and Alejandro Garnacho. Martinez played alongside the goalkeeper during Argentina's victorious 2022 World Cup campaign, while Garnacho was part of the same squad that won the Copa America last year.
Martinez, 32, appears to hold both players in high regard, having described namesake Lisandro as an "animal" following their famous win nearly three years ago. The defender was still in the early stages of his tenure at United when he helped beat France in Qatar.
Lisandro's maiden title in English football came shortly after when United won the League Cup. And he was promptly congratulated by fellow Villa star Martinez, who commented on Lisandro's celebratory Instagram post: "Wins everywhere."
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The pair [far right] know each other well from their time with the Argentina national team
Martinez won the 2022 World Cup alongside namesake Lisandro
(Image: Getty Images)
Though Madrid-born Garnacho only debuted for Argentina in June 2023, it wasn't long before Martinez expressed admiration for the young winger, too. And not solely for his on-field abilities.
"He is a very humble guy. He came to work; he didn't talk a lot," Martinez told TyC Sports at the time. "He is very eager to play. The truth is that he's a little treasure and I hope we can mould him so that he gives us as much as Angel Di Maria."
United will take on Villa at home on Sunday in what's set to be their season finale. Unai Emery’s squad is in the hunt for a Champions League spot, ranking sixth, while United are aiming for 14th place.
Martinez has been sidelined due to an ACL injury since February, while Garnacho's participation is still up in the air. The Daily Mail has suggested Garnacho is free to leave in the summer following his absence from the XI that lost to Spurs in the Europa League final.
Andre Onana of Manchester United warms up prior to the Premier League match between AFC Bournemouth and Manchester United FC at Vitality Stadium
Andre Onana could be replaced this summer after struggling to impress at Old Trafford
(Image: Getty Images)
Martinez might therefore only find one fellow countryman at United if he decides to make the move this summer. And Villa manager Emery has suggested there could be exits from the club following a ground-breaking season.
"It is difficult for the team, it has been difficult for some players," he told reporters this week. "I was struggling five months ago with not enough results we achieved in that moment. But now I am so so happy with the individual responses of the players, how the team is focused in each match – as well some players with some speculation."
Andre Onana's tenure in Manchester has not won over the fans since he reunited with former Ajax coach Erik ten Hag two years back. This has fuelled rumours that the Red Devils might be looking for a new face between the posts, though their absence from Europe next term could hinder their ability to attract top talent.
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