Manchester United have been urged to consider a move for a cut-price Premier League star who would ‘hit the ground running’ at Old Trafford.
Another summer rebuild awaits for United after a dismal season which saw the Red Devils finish 15th and record their lowest-ever points total in Premier League history.
Ruben Amorim already looks set to cash in on Alejandro Garnacho after falling out with the academy graduate, while United could also lose club captain Bruno Fernandes as he mulls over a big-money move to Saudi Arabia.
United have already made their first moves in the transfer market, with a deal for Matheus Cunha inching towards its conclusion.
However, the club have been dealt a blow in their bid to sign in-demand Liam Delap, with the Ipswich Town forward instead deciding on a move to Chelsea.
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Looking elsewhere, United will consider midfield and defensive reinforcements, but there have also been calls to replace the inconsistent Andre Onana in between the sticks.
And should United decide to splash the cash on a new keeper, former Aston Villa coach Neil Cutler believes a move for Emiliano Martinez would be great for all parties.
Martinez, who signed from Arsenal for £17m back in 2020, has an uncertain future at Villa and was visibly upset as he walked around the ground following the final home game of the season.
Reports have linked the Argentinian World Cup winner with a move to Saudi Arabia, but Cutler believes that United could prove a more attractive proposition for the 32-year-old.
Man United transfer latest
It promises to be a busy summer in the red half of Manchester as Amorim looks to rebuild his side ahead of the new season.
How will United strengthen up top? What does the future hold for the returning Antony and Jadon Sancho? And what about Marcus Rashford?
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‘I don’t think it’s about money with Emi so I don’t think he is ready to move to Saudi yet,’ Cutler told the Sun.
‘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.’
‘Martinez would hit the ground running at United’
While Martinez would be sacrificing European football by moving to Old Trafford in the summer, Cutler insisted that the challenge of turning around United’s fortunes would provide plenty of motivation to make the move.
‘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,’ added Cutler.
‘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’s all about the challenge, he’s all about the drive and the desire so I think United would suit him.
‘He would be a comfortable fit at United and would hit the ground running. It could be one of those times when it suits all parties.’
A move for Martinez could still prove tricky, however, with Unai Emery appearing adamant that his first-choice keeper will not leave the club this summer.
Asked by TNT Sports reporter Jules Breach if Villa’s final league game of the season against United could be Martinez’s last for the club, Emery emphatically responded: ‘No way.’
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