Manchester United were interested in Aston Villa goalkeeper Emiliano Martinez this summer, but Ruben Amorim cold not convince them to spend big.
That’s according to journalist Gaston Edul, [via the Youtube Channel 412](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=azi36InSevU), who reports that Manchester United have only offered a loan deal so far.
Martinez has been linked with a move away from Aston Villa since the end of last season when he gave a very tearful goodbye to Villa Park.
Manchester United have been credited with an interest in recent months, with it widely felt that Andre Onana is not the answer to the problem following his ropey performances last season.
Indeed, the need for a new goalkeeper has become more pronounced after the 1-0 loss to Arsenal at the weekend in which Onana’s replacement Altay Bayindir was seen as being at fault for the Gunners’ winner.
A move for Martinez has not advanced at any point, though, despite the clear need for a new number one and Martinez’s apparent willingness to move on from Aston Villa.
Edul has now explained why that is the case, reporting that Amorim has been unable to convince those above him at Manchester United on the move.
_“The deal was very close (Emi Martinez to Manchester United),_” he said.
_“The coaching staff, especially 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._
_“Well, they told him that Onana was there and said, ‘OK, we’ll do you a favour and try,’ and they offered a loan. Aston Villa made it clear under what conditions he would let him go for a sale.”_
How much truth there is in that, and how much of it is Martinez’s camp rationalising the situation is unclear. Judging by previous reports from Argentina, the goalkeeper’s circle thought he could leave Aston Villa for less than is the case, and that’s seen interested clubs back away from a deal.
With a couple of weeks of the window left, it’ll soon become clear whether the World Cup winner’s goodbyes at Villa Park were without foundation.