Softfootball understands that former Liverpool player Emile Heskey has advised Aston Villa’s goalkeeper to consider a move to Manchester United.
Manchester United have been sloppy in the transfer market lately, which has been a beacon for questions of their preparation ahead of the new season. One of the areas that Ruben Amorim wants to invest in is the goalkeeping department, which suffered a huge loophole last season.
Despite all the struggles on the pitch, the former England striker Emile Heskey, speaking on the club’s current direction, told bestbettingtips.co.uk that Martinez has the experience the club needs to flourish next season, but spoke about the pressure of playing in the complexity of the club.
“I can see why people would say it’s a step down, but it’s interesting. You’ve got to remember that Manchester United are a huge club even now, and they’ll be massive when they finally get it right again. They’ll be in another universe when that happens.
So for Emi, I don’t think it’s a step down if he gets that move to Manchester United, but he can’t kid himself. He’d be going to a club in crisis at the moment. Does he want that?
The pressure on the players to perform now is too much for nine out of 10 players. Only Bruno Fernandes has relished it and embraced it, while others have fallen away.”
Martinez, who joined Aston Villa from Arsenal in 2020 and has since become a key figure under Unai Emery, remains high on the wishlist. However, with United operating under a restricted transfer budget this summer and a need to prioritise multiple areas of the squad, it is unclear whether a formal bid will be launched before the September 1 deadline.
The Red Devils are expected to finalise outgoings in the coming weeks, which may dictate how aggressively they move in the market. For now, Martinez remains an option, albeit one United must carefully weigh amid a delicate summer rebuild.
Softfotball had earlier reported that United are reportedly monitoring alternative targets, with 23-year-old Belgian goalkeeper Senne Lammens of Royal Antwerp among those considered for a long-term role. Lammens has caught attention with his composure and distribution and is viewed as a potential successor should Onana fail to convince.
The goalkeeper played 40 games for the Belgian side and recorded nine clean sheets, of which he saved four out of eight penalties.
