There was concrete interest in the Argentinian and Amorim wanted him, according to journalist Gaston Edul
Earlier in the window Manchester United had been linked to Aston Villa goalkeeper Emiliano Martinez, following Andre Onana’s series of high-profile errors last season and the club’s lack of reliable options.
But a move for the Argentina No 1 collapsed and then came back to hunt United in Sunday’s Premier League opener against Arsenal, where Ricardo Calafiori’s 13th minute header from a corner was the only difference between the two sides.
Altay Bayindir, who was given the nod ahead of Onana, failed to get a strong hand on Declan Rice’s dangerous in-swinger, under pressure from William Saliba.
So why did United not pursue for a move for Martinez?
The club in fact had concrete interest, according to journalist Gaston Edul. Head coach Ruben Amorim had identified the Argentina international as his preferred option to take over as first-choice goalkeeper.
However, the board refused to sanction a permanent transfer due to finances. They then made an unconvincing attempt to secure Martinez on loan, which Villa were reportedly baffled by and quickly dismissed.
“The deal was very close,” Edul said on the 412 YouTube channel. “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. They told him 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 they would let him go for a sale.”
