Emi Martinez backed to be Man Utd's new Peter Schmeichel if he completes transfer from Aston Villa as club legend insists David de Gea never should have been replaced by 'school boy' Andre Onana

United have been linked with a summer swoop to sign Martinez from Villa, having reportedly first made a bid for the Argentina international in January. Martinez is reportedly keen on the move, and Lee Sharpe believes that he should be recruited to replace Andre Onana, who he does not feel was ever good enough to succeed David de Gea.

Martinez, a World Cup winner with Argentina, played in all but one of Villa's games in the Premier League last season, and also played in every minute of their Champions League campaign, as they reached the quarter-finals, losing to eventual winners Paris Saint-Germain. After the final game of the season, the stopper appeared to wave goodbye to the Villa Park faithful. And Sharpe believes he could emulate United great Peter Schmeichel, one of the best goalkeepers in Premier League history, at Old Trafford.

Sharpe told Aceodds.com: “United have been linked with Emi Martinez and I don’t think there’s a club in the world that wouldn’t take Martinez. I think his attitude and charisma is great and he spreads that to his back four. He’s like Schmeichel. He makes saves he shouldn’t pull off and he’ll earn a team 10-12 points a season.”

The former United star added: “I think the goalkeeping area is a questionable one. Is it a priority? No. But if the opportunity comes along to upgrade and get a few quid for Onana then I think it’s something they’ll look at. I’m still surprised they let David de Gea go. I know his last two seasons weren’t great but I still think they were better than what Onana has been. He pulls off good saves but then he lets in school boy error goals.

“Onana hasn’t been helped by the fact United don’t score enough goals. If they scored two or three his mistakes would be under less scrutiny. He’d get away with the mistakes he’s making. Currently though he’s causing them issues. I understand he’s good with his feet and it’s like having an extra player but I think it’s costing United more than they’re gaining.”

United will open their pre-season campaign with a friendly against Leeds on July 19. It remains to be seen if they will formalise their interest in Martinez.