Man Utd warned Emi Martinez isn't the 'perfect person' after antics for Aston Villa & Argentina – but Red Devils told goalkeeper would be a 'massive improvement' on Andre Onana

Manchester United have been told Aston Villa's Emi Martinez would be a "massive improvement" on Andre Onana, even if he isn't the "perfect person".

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• Onana's No.1 spot in doubt
• Martinez considered an upgrade
• But concerns raised over Argentine's antics

• AFP
  

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  WHAT HAPPENED?

  Onana has been strongly linked with a move away from United after a dismal 2024-25 campaign that again saw him come in for criticism due to a string of costly goalkeeping errors. According to the , United have put a £30 million ($41m) price tag on the Cameroonian amid links with Ligue 1 outfit Monaco.

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• Getty
  

  THE BIGGER PICTURE

  Aston Villa No.1 Emi Martinez has been touted as a possible replacement for Onana, with reporting that the Argentine is open to a potential switch to Old Trafford. United legend Paul Parker thinks that would be a positive move from head coach Ruben Amorim, though he does have some concerns about Martinez's personality. The World Cup winner has developed a reputation as football's ultimate wind-up merchant in recent years, with his controversial antics often overshadowing his impressive shot-stopping abilities.

• WHAT PARKER SAID

  Speaking to GOAL – in association with – Parker called Martinez one of the top five goalkeepers on the planet. When asked if the Argentine would be an upgrade on Onana, the former United defender said: "Definitely an upgrade, but it's the person you're going to bring. Everyone knows about him and what his manner is like. If you're going to take a step forward, you can't always get the perfect person. Personality-wise, some of it you don't want to see, but he's going to be a massive improvement [on Onana]. You're bringing in maybe one of the top five keepers in the world, and I'm quite sure that he wants Man Utd on his CV."

• Getty/GOAL
  

  WHAT NEXT?

  Martinez signed a new contract at Villa in August last year that ties him to the club until 2029, but it has been reported that United could secure his services for around £40m ($55m) this summer. However, the Red Devils will have to move quickly if they are to close a deal for the Argentina international, who is also attracting attention from Chelsea, Atletico Madrid and clubs in Saudi Arabia.