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Manchester United target turns his attention to Saudi Arabia

Originally posted on We All Follow United
By Rohit Sarkar | Last updated Jul 24, 2025 6:50 PM ET

Manchester United are slipping behind in the race for Emiliano Martinez

For the last few seasons, Manchester United have become a team that raises hopes at the beginning of every tournament, but end up rubbing its hands in despair. There was positive reception when Ruben Amorim took over the reins in the middle of the previous season, but the team’s basic problems still remain. The defence is a mess, the midfield looks slow, and one of the biggest issues is goalkeeping. Andre Onana came with great expectations, but his lapses are hurting the team again and again. Looking nervous in big matches is now becoming his identity. United need a keeper who proves to be reliable on every occasion.

The shadow of Saudi Arabia and United’s sluggishness in making a move for Emiliano Martinez

In view of this situation, the club had set their eyes on Emiliano Martinez. He is a keeper who made Argentina world champions and looked strong under every pressure. However, so far, United have been looking only for ways to deal this way and that. At one point, a loan was tried, which was rejected by Aston Villa in a jiffy. Now, Martinez is reported to have received an offer from Saudi Arabia, with changes to the foreign player quota there opening the door for him.

According to Clarin’s report, as relayed by Sport Witness, there is concern in Argentina that a move to the Saudi league could affect their goalkeeper’s form ahead of the World Cup. United have so far been unable to convince Villa and have not made a concrete offer. Time is running out, and the player now has another option.

Martinez’s strengths and United’s need

There is no doubt that the 32-year-old is a top-class goalkeeper. His reflexes, commanding presence and knack for playing under pressure put him well ahead of Onana. His Premier League experience and ability to fill a leadership void in the dressing room make him perfect for United. However, Villa have made it clear that a loan move is out of the question – buy him or forget him.

In our opinion, we should not waste time on any other option. Neither Senne Lammens nor Diogo Costa will be able to meet the club’s needs at the moment. Martinez’s biggest strength is his experience and ability to make standout displays in big games. Everyone remembers his role in Argentina’s World Cup win. A team like United needs a player like this; someone who can provide stability to the backline.

If the club really want to progress, they should pay the £40 million. Villa know they have a great player, so hoping for concessions is futile. If United back down, it will not only show the weakness of their transfer policy, but letting Martinez go to Saudi Arabia will embarrass them even more. If the club really do not want to pay, they should sign Lammens immediately, but half-hearted decisions will not work. Losing Martinez could be another mistake by United, and such mistakes will not be tolerated anymore. Fans are watching everything, and the strings of patience are wearing thin.

This article first appeared on We All Follow United and was syndicated with permission.

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