TERMS AGREED: Player agrees personal terms to join Manchester United- The star is now in Manchester for medical and will sign five-years deal tomorrow
The 2024/25 campaign has been one to forget for Manchester United, with Ruben Amorim needing to have a huge summer to transform their fortunes next season.
His side finished in 15th position in the Premier League, a staggering 24 points off a place in the top five, whilst also losing the Europa League final to divisional rivals Tottenham Hotspur.
Such a dismal year is unacceptable given the history of the Red Devils, which could see the manager lose his job in the near future should he spend big and fail to turn the situation around.
With Matheus Cunha already through the door at Old Trafford, it’s likely that the spending is set to continue, as numerous areas of the pitch are still in desperate need of improvement.
Countless names have already been touted with a move to join the club, but it remains to be seen how many more deals are completed before September 1st.
The latest players to be linked with a move to join United
Middlesbrough midfielder Hayden Hackney is a star who’s been on the rise in the Championship over recent seasons, with United monitoring the 22-year-old with a view to making a £20m move.
He’s not alone in that aspect, with Eintracht Frankfurt star Hugo Ekitiké appearing to be the subject of a bid in the coming weeks, as Jason Wilcox and Co look to strengthen the frontline.
However, attention has also been turned to a deal to sign Aston Villa goalkeeper Emiliano Martínez, as the shot-stopper looks set to leave Unai Emery’s side, according to Doble Amarilla.
The Red Devils have already initiated contact with the 32-year-old’s representatives over a move to Old Trafford, mainly due to Villa’s need to sell players to comply with the division’s PSR.
It also states that he would like to stay in England should he depart the West Midlands outfit this window, with Amorim looking to improve the situation between the sticks.
Why Martinez would be a better signing than Mbeumo for United
Bryan Mbeumo has been a player hugely touted with a move to join United this summer, even expressing his desire to move to Old Trafford ahead of the 2025/26 campaign.
The Cameroonian international has massively impressed in recent months, registering 20 league goals in his 38 outings – leading to keen interest from teams across England’s top flight.
However, the Red Devils are the only side to present an offer to the Bees, but their £55m bid was swiftly rejected as the London outfit are holding out for a fee in the region of £70m.
He’s already agreed personal terms with Amorim’s side, but no deal can be completed until the hierarchy agree a fee with their fellow Premier League side for his signature.
Despite the pending move for the 25-year-old, a transfer for Martinez would be a better deal, with the Argentine international providing a huge upgrade on current number one Andre Onana, who is undoubtedly the biggest issue in Amorim’s starting XI right now.
The 29-year-old was seen as a superb signing at the time, but has registered eight errors leading to goals this campaign, ultimately costing the side in numerous key moments.
Confidence in the Cameroonian international seems to be at an all-time low, which has resulted in interest in landing the Villa shot-stopper this window.
When comparing the pair’s respective figures, the 32-year-old has massively outperformed him in numerous key areas, with any deal solving one of Amorim’s main problems in the first team squad.
Martinez, who’s been labelled “world-class” by journalist Dan Bardell, has conceded fewer goals per 90, whilst also achieving a higher save percentage, handing the side the needed defensive reinforcements.
He’s also completed more of the short and long passes he’s attempted, offering Amorim’s men the chance to play out from the back or even go direct if needed – something which Onana has been unable to in recent times.
The Argentine has further impressed, claiming more crosses per 90 than the former Inter Milan star, with his presence off the line able to relieve any pressure placed on the side in the defensive third.
It’s unclear how much a deal for Emery’s number one would cost this summer, but it’s evident that he would provide a huge upgrade currently at the manager’s disposal.
The foundation to any successful side is a commanding ‘keeper, with a deal for Martinez potentially ending Onana’s stint at the club and handing the club the elite-level talent they’ve lacked in such a department.
