Manchester United remain actively engaged in the transfer market, with a sharp focus on reshaping key areas of the squad before the window closes.
Following a summer of calculated moves, including the arrivals of Matheus Cunha and Bryan Mbeumo, the club’s recruitment team continues to explore opportunities to strengthen across the pitch.
Ruben Amorim is said to be pushing for more depth in goal, especially with Andre Onana returning to training from injury and concerns around long-term coverage in high-pressure matches.
United are also working behind the scenes on potential exits, needing to balance the books before sanctioning further incomings.
Amidst these discussions, the club briefly turned their attention to a surprise target in the goalkeeping department—Emiliano Martinez.
The Aston Villa and Argentina No 1 emerged as a short-term option, with United proposing a loan move in hopes of adding experience and quality between the sticks.
However, that offer was immediately turned down by Villa, who made it clear that Emiliano Martinez would only be allowed to leave on a permanent deal.
It was also reported that United have entered into formal negotiations with Aston Villa for Martinez.
Sources close to the situation reveal that United were unwilling to entertain Villa’s valuation, which is believed to be significantly beyond what the Old Trafford hierarchy is prepared to pay.
As a result, United have effectively ended their pursuit of Martinez, with the door firmly shut on any temporary deal, as per The Athletic.
Villa’s stance remains unchanged—they have no intention of parting with their first-choice keeper unless a full sale is on the table.
While United’s interest has now cooled, the brief approach signals the club’s intent to explore all avenues for strengthening the squad as Amorim shapes his new era.
Attention is now expected to turn to alternative, more financially viable targets, with the understanding that the club’s current resources must be carefully managed.
Martinez, meanwhile, looks set to remain at Villa Park unless a club is willing to meet the Premier League side’s demands.
For United, the search continues—but the rejection of their loan bid shows just how complicated even backup plans can become in a tense and costly market.
