Man Utd urged not to give up on Emi Martinez transfer as 'horrific' Andre Onana is torn apart by ex-Red Devils star for 'unacceptable' displays

Former striker Louis Saha has claimed that United should continue their pursuit of Martinez throughout the summer window, as they need an upgrade on Onana, who has "made too many mistakes" during his time at the club. Reports, however, suggest that the Red Devils face competition to land the World Cup winner, amid rival interest from Saudi Arabia.

Martinez waved an emotional farewell to the Villa Park faithful at the end of the season but he has yet to confirm a transfer away. United's last move for the player saw them propose a loan deal, but Villa knocked back that proposal. Saha believes that they must find a way to make a more acceptable offer, as Onana has turned in a series of "unacceptable" performances, that are not up to the standards demanded by the club.

“Yes, he's a confident goalkeeper, Onana, but he made too many mistakes. It doesn't mean that Emiliano is not going to make any mistakes because that position is very fragile.

“Last year, I have never seen any goalkeeper go through that at Manchester United or at any of the big clubs, it was horrific to see and I'm sure that he understands what people were saying. I think the competition is going to be healthy. He needs to realise for his career that he needs to do better and that those types of performance are almost unacceptable.

“We're all human, but some of those mistakes were just not up to his standard and obviously not up to the standard of United. A player who won the World Cup, who has been really an asset for Argentina and for Aston Villa the last three years, I think he's a great goalkeeper.”

Martinez may not be United's only stopper target, as they have also been linked with Belgian goalkeeper Senne Lammens, who may well be viewed as a more accessible option than the Villa star.

United play Bournemouth on Wednesday as they continue their preparations for the new season. It remains to be seen if they will be able to secure a new goalkeeper before the Premier League campaign gets underway against Arsenal on August 17.