Emi Martinez’s stance on Man Utd transfer revealed as big clubs ‘queue up’ for Aston Villa star

Emiliano Martinez has been linked with a move away from Aston Villa this summer and his former coach believes he would be interested in joining Manchester United

Emiliano Martinez has been tipped to join Manchester United this summer, amid rumours he could leave Aston Villa. Martinez has starred for Villa since joining the club from Arsenal in 2020 and is widely regarded as one of the best goalkeepers in the world.

Arsenal are said to be interested in bringing Martinez back to the Emirates, while clubs in the Saudi Pro League have reportedly made highly lucrative approaches for the 32-year-old shot stopper.

However, Martinez’s former coach Neil Cutler believes a move to Old Trafford would appeal to the World Cup winner. Cutler worked with Martinez at Villa before leaving the club in 2022, with the goalkeeper branding him the “best English coach by miles” after his departure.

The pair remain close friends and when asked about Martinez’s future, Cutler told the Sun : “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.

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“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. 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’.”

Martinez was left in tears after Villa’s final home game of the season, further fuelling speculation that he could be set to leave the club this summer.

And when asked about the futures of Martinez and Leon Bailey after the game, Villa boss Unai Emery said: “Now we are focused on the matches we are playing. It is the last match here. I don’t know.

“We will see. We will see about the team, the players. They are responding and are so focused on how we are preparing each match. We have more points to play for against Manchester United. We will see how we can get better for the next season.”

Emery was then asked outright after Villa’s defeat to United on the final day of the season if Martinez had played his final game for the club and he replied: “No way.”

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