MU is actively negotiating to recruit goalkeeper Emiliano Martinez. Once considered one of the most solid goalkeepers in the world, but at the age of 32, he showed signs of significant decline in the last season. MU, in an attempt to rebuild the defense, may be betting with a deal that contains too many uncertainties.
Performance down and alarm signal
Emiliano Martinez had a brilliant sublimation period, from Copa America 2021 to the 2022 World Cup, where he became a hero in the wooden frame of Argentina. The confidence, the ecstatic reflexes and the ability to win in a penalty shootout turn him into a new symbol of the goalkeeper position.
However, time is not on the side of Dibu. The 2024/25 season witnessed his alarming decline in the Aston Villa shirt, when a series of personal mistakes made this team pay heavily.
The ratio of the breakdown, the ability to control the space is limited, especially in the ball situations, all make people notice the sign of a goalkeeper no longer retain the peak form. At the age of 32, when the reflex rate is no longer as sharp as before, Martinez clearly reveals his shortness of breath.
Many experts have said that last season could be considered one of the worst seasons in his career in the Premier League.
The instability also comes from the tricky play style of Martinez. He is famous for the habit of provoking the opponent, delaying the match or creating psychological pressure in the penalty shootout. Although these tricks have helped him and Argentina achieve great success, but at the club level, especially at the harsh environment like the Premier League, the consequences often go in a negative direction.
The proof of the direct red card he had to receive in the encounter with Man United in May, after unnecessary collision with Rasmus Hojlund. The ball not only made Villa lose but also made Martinez suspended at the key stage.
The outbreaks, plus the trend of loss of control in hot situations, showing that he could become a slow bomb in the MU goal. With a team looking for stability and discipline under coach Ruben Amorim, this is clearly a potential gamble.
Potential gambling of MU
Man United is entering an important reconstruction phase, with the desire to build a team that is competitive in the Premier League and the Champions League. After the bitter failures in the 2024/25 season, especially the Europa League final, the club leadership was determined to reform thoroughly.
Aiming at Martinez partly reflects the desire to bring an experienced goalkeeper, the bravery of the battle and the high fighting spirit. However, in the context of the market there are many youthful, potential and potential options, this decision creates a division.
Although experienced Martinez, it is hard to see as a long -term solution. He entered the age when most goalkeepers began to go down, especially with the style of physical and psychological competition like his.
In fact, Aston Villa is also ready to listen to the offer for Martinez, instead of trying to keep, enough to see that they understand his value is decreasing.
With the expected transfer fee, Martinez will be under huge pressure from the first day of Old Trafford.
MU fans expect a safe block, while the coaching board needs a stable goalkeeper to build a firm defense. If Martinez continues to recreate a erratic form and hot moments like in Villa, MU can completely suck bitter fruit.
From a contract that is expected to solve the goalkeeper problem, he is in danger of becoming a burden that makes the team more deeply sinking into the crisis.
While direct opponents like Arsenal, Liverpool or Chelsea are strengthening forces with promising young stars, MU bets on a goalkeeper on the other side of his career. This is a risky decision, which can bring short -term stability, but the risk of becoming a strategic mistake in the long run is huge.
MU has repeatedly paid the price because the contracts are not at the right time, and Martinez, if they cannot find themselves, can become the next example for that mistake.