A former Aston Villa goalkeeping coach has backed Emiliano Martinez to join Manchester United this summer.
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Martinez backed to join Man UtdEx-Villa coach felt that the Argentine is up for the challengeUnited looking to rebuild their squad this summerFollow GOAL on WhatsApp! 🟢📱WHAT HAPPENED?
Martinez has been linked with a move away from Villa this summer, and Unai Emery's side have started looking for the Argentine goalkeeper's replacement. The World Cup-winning shot-stopper has reportedly attracted interest from clubs like Arsenal, Manchester United and Barcelona, while a move to Saudi Arabia is also a possibility.
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Amid uncertainty over Martinez's future, former Villa goalkeeping coach Neil Cutler has backed the 32-year-old to move to Old Trafford as he feels that the goalkeeper is ready to take up the challenge of playing for a struggling United side.
WHAT NEIL CUTLER SAID
Speaking to , Cutler said: "This summer is pivotal for Emi in terms of his career. 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."
He added: "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. 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. I can help this club get back to where it was. He's all about the challenge, he's all about the drive and the desire so I think United would suit him. He thrives on the biggest occasions and could play for any team in the world as he's shown by winning the World Cup and Copa America with Argentina. He would be a comfortable fit at United and would hit the ground running.
"It's all down to what Villa want but, at 32, they will know this is when they can get the maximum return on him. If they hold off until next year they'd get less. Unai needs a possession-based goalie and the keepers he's been linked with are top class and younger. It could be one of those times when it suits all parties. I'm a big Villa fan so I'd love to see him stay – and I wouldn't be surprised to see Emi lifting the Europa League trophy for Villa in 12 months time. But I also want to see him play at the highest level possible and, if one of the really big hitters comes knocking, then he could have a huge decision to make."
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The Red Devils are expected to remain busy in the transfer window as Rubem Amorim aims to rebuild the squad after a nightmare 2024-25 campaign. They are close to completing Matheus Cunha's signing from Wolves and have shown interest in Brentford's Bryan Mbeumo