Martinez looks to be leaving Villa Park this summer; money isn’t thought to be a big factor so Saudi move doubtful
Emiliano Martinez would be interested in a move to Manchester United this summer, former Aston Villa goalkeeping coach Neil Cutler has said. Cutler believes the World Cup winner would relish playing on one of football’s most demanding stages and has backed a potential transfer to Old Trafford.
Martinez has had a stellar few years between the posts since leaving Arsenal in 2020 due to a lack of playing time. The Argentine has been a key part of the Villa squad, helping them rise from relegation scraps at the bottom of the league table to competing at the top end for the Champions League spaces. His form also helped Argentina to a World Cup win in 2022.
But with Villa facing trouble with the Premier League’s PSR, they are reportedly preparing for a future without their No.1. Cutler, who worked closely with Martinez at Villa Park, believes the Argentine would want to continue playing at the top level with a big club.
“This summer is pivotal for Emi in terms of his career,” Cutler told The Sun. “He’s been voted the best goalie in the world twice and there seems to be an opportunity for him this summer, with all of his options open. Big clubs are queuing up to speak to him and he either stays at a massive club like Villa or he goes to a truly world-class club.
“I don’t think it’s about money with Emi so I don’t think he is ready to move to Saudi yet. If he does move it would be to a much bigger club, one of the really big-hitters like Barcelona, Real Madrid, Atletico or even Manchester United.”
While United won’t be playing Champions League football next season, having finishing a dismal 15th under Ruben Amorim, Cutler believes the club would still hold much allure for Martinez.
“United can’t offer him Champions League football but the sheer size of the club and the size of the challenge might appeal to Emi,” said the goalkeeping coach. “Emi has the confidence required to play for a massive club like United and would feel he could affect the club in a really positive way.
“He would look at United and say: ‘Right, I can make this place better.’ He thrives on the biggest occasions and could play for any team in the world. He would be a comfortable fit at United and would hit the ground running.”
