Aston Villa goalkeeper Emi Martinez was very close to joining Manchester United earlier this summer, according to TyC Sports journalist Gaston Edul.
The Red Devils head coach Ruben Amorim and his coaching crew wanted the Villa star, and the feeling was mutual.
However, the Man United boss was unable to convince his bosses that signing a top goalie was of paramount importance this summer.
“The deal was very close,” Edul said on his YouTube account.
“The coaching staff, especially Ruben Amorim, wanted him and Martinez knew that Amorim wanted him.
“Amorim could not convince the United board that it was important to spend on a good goalkeeper.”
Man United kicked off the 2025-26 Premier League campaign with a 1-0 defeat to Arsenal on Sunday, with second-choice goalkeeper Altay Bayindir at fault for the goal.
Andre Onana was left out of the squad due to his fitness levels as the Cameroon international had only trained thrice with the first-team before the season opener.
The 29-year-old has recovered from the hamstring injury which kept him out of action during pre-season, but he was not deemed ready to face Arsenal.
He is expected to be back in the starting XI when Man United take on Fulham at Craven Cottage on Sunday, but the Red Devils could do with an upgrade in such a crucial position.
Martinez fits the profile, but the board of the Old Trafford club decided not to look in that direction.
They have spent over £200 million bolstering their attack by recruiting the services of Matheus Cunha, Bryan Mbuemo and Benjamin Sesko.
Man United also want a defensive midfielder, with Brighton & Hove Albion star Carlos Baleba their top target.