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Emi Martinez Argentina Copa America 2024Getty

Agent reveals Argentina Copa America penalty hero Emiliano Martinez came 'very close' to joining Man Utd from Aston Villa before Andre Onana transfer

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  • Man Utd wanted to sign Martinez, agent says
  • Ten Hag chose Onana reunion instead of Argentine
  • Goalkeeper was the hero again at Copa America
  • WHAT HAPPENED?

    United were in the market for a new goalkeeper after seeing David de Gea depart last summer. They opted to reunite Ten Hag with his former Ajax charge Onana by buying the Cameroon shot-stopper from Inter. However, agent Gonzalo Goni says many in the club wanted Martinez instead, and some came to regret the decision not to bring the Argentine to Old Trafford.

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  • Emi Martinez Aston Villa 2023-24Getty

    WHAT MARTINEZ'S AGENT SAID

    "Last year he was very close to Manchester United, the coach opted for Onana, because he already knew him," Goni told ESPN. "But everyone at Manchester United later maintained that the ideal goalkeeper to win was Emiliano Martínez."

  • THE BIGGER PICTURE

    Onana was heavily criticised throughout his debut season at United as they slumped to their worst-ever Premier League finish, while Martinez played a pivotal role in Villa finishing fourth and securing a place in next season's Champions League.

  • Emi Martinez penalty save Argentina Ecuador Copa America 2024Getty

    WHAT NEXT FOR MARTINEZ?

    Martinez was the hero for Argentina as they beat Ecuador in a penalty shootout to seal a place in the Copa America semi-finals on Friday. He will hope to help fire his team to the final when they take on Canada in the final four. Afterwards, he will return to Villa with the aim of building on their excellent season, though his agent refused to rule out a summer transfer, saying: "Everything is never decided: we are having conversations, listening, watching and we will see... But perhaps he will put Aston Villa on a par with the greats of Europe."