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Man United Set to Replace Onana With Top Goalkeeper

Originally posted on Total Apex Sports | By Fahad Hamid | Last updated May 19, 2025 3:17 PM ET

Manchester United have had plenty of issues and one of them has been the goalkeeper. Andre Onana has struggled to adapt to life at Old Trafford. Meanwhile, Emiliano “Emi” Martinez has been a rock at the back for Aston Villa since he arrived from Arsenal in 2020. However, after Villa’s 2-0 win over Tottenham in their final home game of the season, fans wondered whether they had just witnessed the Argentine’s last appearance at Villa Park.

Martinez, now 32 and under contract until 2029 following a recent extension in the summer of 2024, was visibly emotional as he waved to the home crowd. While no official statement has been made, the gesture didn’t go unnoticed and it’s sparked serious speculation over his future.

What Do Reports Say?

According to Argentine outlet DSports, Manchester United and Barcelona are both circling, with offers already on the table. The World Cup winner’s stock has only risen in recent years, and this could be the perfect time for a high-profile switch.

Villa manager Unai Emery chose his words carefully when asked about Martinez’s future, saying: “We will see. Of course, it is the last match (of the season) here, and I don’t know. We will see about the team, the players. Of course, they are responding on the field, at the moment they are responding and they are so, so focused in how we are preparing and playing each match.”

Meanwhile, Sky Sports pundits Jamie Redknapp and Roy Keane didn’t hesitate to read between the lines. Redknapp was full of praise for Martinez, adding: “What a signing he has been. Amazing player, great goalkeeper, but it looks like he was waving goodbye. Trying to find someone to fill that void will be very difficult.”

Keane, in typical fashion, added a bit of edge: “He has been a good character, some people like him. He can be annoying at times with some of his antics. But he has been a great signing for them, he’ll be a big loss as it does look like he is saying his final goodbyes.”

Manchester United and Barcelona, Tempting Options

For United, the interest in Martinez is hardly surprising. André Onana, who replaced David De Gea, has had a tough time following his £47.2 million move from Inter Milan in 2023. Inconsistency and high-profile mistakes have led to huge amounts of frustration among fans and even former players at the club. Club legend Wayne Rooney suggested the Red Devils should consider re-signing David de Gea, who left the club last summer.

Emi Martinez, with his proven Premier League record and World Cup pedigree, would be a statement signing, a shot-stopper capable of commanding his box and organizing a backline under pressure. He could also stir a winning mentality in the United dressing room, something they’ve lacked in recent years by a margin. They could certainly use more of that in their defensive setup.

Barcelona, too, have their reasons for keeping a close eye on the situation. First-choice keeper Marc-André ter Stegen has missed most of the season due to a serious knee injury, managing just seven appearances. Wojciech Szczęsny, who came out of retirement to join the club in 2024, has been solid in his 30 games, but at 35, he’s hardly a long-term solution. With his distribution, shot-stopping, and leadership, Martinez fits the mold of a modern goalkeeper, making him an ideal candidate to take over between the sticks at either Old Trafford or Camp Nou.

A Big Decision Awaits

For Aston Villa, losing Martinez would be a huge blow. Since his arrival, he’s helped transform the club’s ambitions, becoming a fan favorite. His performances earned him back-to-back Yashin Trophy nominations, and he played a crucial role in Villa’s qualifying for European football. But if the signs are to be believed, the club might already be preparing for life after Emi. Reports suggest they’ve identified Espanyol’s Joan García and Brazilian stopper Luiz Júnior as possible successors. (Aston Villa News)

The emotional farewell against Spurs, the cryptic post-match silence, and the growing interest from European giants all point to a summer transfer saga in the making. If Martinez does move on, he’ll leave a legacy as one of Villa’s best-ever goalkeepers. However, with Manchester United and Barcelona both transitioning and needing stability between the posts, this summer could mark the next big step in a career full of highlights.

This article first appeared on Total Apex Sports and was syndicated with permission.

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