Manchester United Board Blocked Ruben Amorim’s Transfer Push for World Cup Winner

Manchester United’s search for a reliable goalkeeper took another twist this summer as their pursuit of Aston Villa star Emiliano Martinez collapsed.

Despite Ruben Amorim making it clear that the World Cup-winning shot-stopper was his top target, the club’s hierarchy blocked a move and refused to sanction a permanent deal.

Ruben Amorim Wanted Emi Martinez at Manchester United

According to Argentine journalist Gaston Edul, United came “very close” to bringing Martinez to Old Trafford.

Amorim, frustrated by the quality and inconsistency of his current options, pushed hard for a new No.1 and made his desire known directly to the Argentine. Martinez, for his part, was open to the switch and gave the green light for talks to progress.

But INEOS and United’s executives were unwilling to spend big on another goalkeeper so soon after splashing £47.9m on André Onana two summers ago.

Instead, they proposed a loan deal, which Aston Villa flatly rejected. Villa had made it clear that only a permanent transfer — and at a significant fee — would be considered.

“The coaching staff, especially Amorim, wanted him, and Martinez knew that Amorim wanted him,” Edul explained. “But Amorim could not convince the United board that it was important to spend on a good goalkeeper.

“They told him that Onana was there, so they tried with a loan. Aston Villa made it clear under what conditions they would let him go for a sale.” 

Are Man Utd Signing a New Goalkeeper?

The failed move has left Amorim with a headache just weeks into his first full season in charge.

United’s goalkeeping issues resurfaced at the weekend when Onana’s deputy, Altay Bayindir, was handed a rare start against Arsenal. The Turkish international fumbled a corner delivery, ultimately handing the Gunners a narrow 1-0 win.

That blunder has intensified calls for a more dependable option between the posts. Yet under Sir Jim Ratcliffe’s restructuring plan, United are determined to avoid the reckless spending of the past.

Executives believe Onana deserves more time, while Bayindir and veteran Tom Heaton are expected to provide backup.

For Amorim, this stance is frustrating. Martinez is a proven Premier League performer and Argentina’s World Cup hero, who would have surely offered both stability and experience.

But United’s cautious approach has left the Portuguese manager to juggle with a trio of keepers who continue to invite doubt.

United’s struggles are not limited to the goalkeeping department. Former club captain Rio Ferdinand has urged his old side to strengthen in midfield, with names like Adam Wharton and Carlos Baleba linked as possible targets.

Whether the decision on Martinez proves costly remains to be seen. Sunday’s trip to Fulham could once again highlight United’s fragility at the back if either Onana or Bayindir fails to convince.

For now, Martinez stays at Villa Park, and United are left wondering if they passed up the solution to their most glaring weakness.