Emiliano Martínez named as Rúben Amorim’s preferred choice to succeed André Onana in Manchester United’s goalkeeping role
Aston Villa’s star goalkeeper is being lined up as a key piece in Amorim’s Old Trafford rebuild
Emiliano Martínez has been identified as the preferred choice of Rúben Amorim to take over Manchester United’s No. 1 shirt from André Onana, who failed to convince after a turbulent debut season.
According to Gastón Edul, a reputable Argentine journalist from TyC Sports, Manchester United has already opened talks with Aston Villa over a possible transfer of the World Cup-winning goalkeeper, with negotiations said to be ongoing.
Goalkeeping Shake-Up at Old Trafford
Manchester United signed André Onana for €55 million last summer from Inter Milan in the hope of replacing the long-serving David de Gea. However, inconsistency, high-profile errors, and growing pressure have prompted the new coaching team, led by Rúben Amorim, to consider other options.
Now, attention has turned to Emiliano “Dibu” Martínez, the 32-year-old Argentine known for his shot-stopping brilliance, commanding presence, and leadership qualities traits that Amorim reportedly values highly.
Long-Term Contract at Villa Park
One of the key hurdles for United is that Martínez is under contract with Aston Villa until June 2029, following a renewal signed in August 2024. Despite this, his market value is estimated at just €20 million far less than Onana’s fee making the deal more attractive from a financial standpoint.
Martínez has been instrumental in Aston Villa’s recent rise, including a 2024/25 Champions League quarter-final appearance, and has shown unwavering consistency for club and country.
Dibu’s Winning Pedigree
Martínez isn’t just a Premier League star. He played a pivotal role in Argentina’s 2022 World Cup triumph, as well as in the team’s back-to-back Copa América victories. In 2023, he was ranked 4th in ESPN’s list of top goalkeepers worldwide only behind Donnarumma, Alisson, and Courtois.
That international experience and clutch mentality are exactly what Amorim is looking for, as he aims to rebuild the Red Devils into serious contenders both domestically and in Europe.
Amorim’s Vision: Leadership and Charisma
Reports suggest that Rúben Amorim sees more than just technical quality in Martínez. The Portuguese coach is said to be drawn to the Argentine’s charisma, leadership, and mentality, believing those qualities can help bring calm and confidence back to United’s backline.
Manchester United avanzó concretamente por Emiliano Dibu Martínez.
Ya hay negociación con Aston Villa. pic.twitter.com/I27eXMrpcN— Gastón Edul (@gastonedul) July 15, 2025
