Manchester United report: Emi Martinez's dad says he hopes his son moves to Old Trafford, amid links

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Manchester United would be the perfect destination for Emi Martinez, according to his own father

Manchester United target Emiliano Martinez of Argentina receives Golden Glove prize during an award ceremony held after Argentina beat France with penalty shootout to win 2022 FIFA World Cup at Lusail Stadium on December 18, 2022 in Lusail City, Qatar.
(Image credit: Mustafa Yalcin/Anadolu Agency via Getty Images)

Manchester United would be the best place for Emi Martinez to move to from Aston Villa.

That's according to the World Cup winner's father, who has told TyC Sports that despite Villa boss Unai Emery wanting to keep his No.1 at the club beyond this season, he personally hopes as his father that a move to Manchester United materialises.

Current custodian David De Gea has kept net at Old Trafford for 12 years but his contract is set to expire this summer. With Erik ten Hag looking to play out from the back with a technically proficient replacement for the Spaniard, there could be a changing of the guard between the sticks. 

Casemiro, David De Gea and Bruno Fernandes celebrate with the Carabao Cup after Manchester United beat Newcastle at Wembley.

David De Gea looks ready to leave United this summer (Image credit: Getty Images)

Martinez has been linked with a move away from the Midlands since his former Arsenal manager, Unai Emery, got the job at Aston Villa. Despite these rumours, however, Martinez Snr says that Emery is a big fan of the keeper. 

“Emery asks him not to leave, to please stay at Aston Villa. He loves him. Everything is more than good at Aston Villa with Emi,” Beto Martinez explained.

When asked about possibility of a switch to the Red Devils though, Martinez responded with “I hope he goes to one of those great teams,” adding that he was unsure about his son's future. 

“If it were up to my son, I would like him to go to Spain because he likes the heat,” he added.

Emi Martinez of Argentina celebrates with the Golden Glove award after the FIFA World Cup 2022 final between Argentina and France on 18 December, 2022 at the Lusail Iconic Stadium in Lusail, Qatar.

Emi Martinez is an option in goal for United (Image credit: Marc Atkins/Getty Images)

Below De Gea in the pecking order, United have veteran shot-stopper Tom Heaton and Jack Butland, while Dean Henderson is out on loan at Nottingham Forest.

Martinez is valued at €28 million by Transfermarkt. 

More Manchester United stories

Manchester United are looking to capitalise on their resurgence in the transfer market, with big new signings. Victor Osimhen is one option for €100m, Declan Rice is on the radar and Jeremie Frimpong could arrive as a new right-back. More outlandish theories include signing Kylian Mbappe and selling Marcus Rashford to Arsenal. 

The Glazer ownership are not guaranteed to sell up – despite bids from lifelong fan, Sir Jim Radcliffe and Sheikh Jassim Bin Hamad Al Thani. Meanwhile, Marcus Rashford has underlined the importance of positive mentality at Old Trafford. 

Mark White
Mark White
Content Editor

Mark White has been at on FourFourTwo since joining in January 2020, first as a staff writer before becoming content editor in 2023. An encyclopedia of football shirts and boots knowledge – both past and present – Mark has also represented FFT at both FA Cup and League Cup finals (though didn't receive a winners' medal on either occasion) and has written pieces for the mag ranging on subjects from Bobby Robson's season at Barcelona to Robinho's career. He has written cover features for the mag on Mikel Arteta and Martin Odegaard, and is assisted by his cat, Rosie, who has interned for the brand since lockdown.