Manchester United boss Erik ten Hag resisted the club’s push to sign Aston Villa goalkeeper Emiliano Martinez over the summer.
United faced some big decisions between the sticks as the summer transfer window opened.
Was it time for David De Gea to go? Would Dean Henderson have a United future? Who would Erik ten Hag even want in goal?
De Gea was released, Henderson was sold to Crystal Palace and Ten Hag called on his Ajax history for a new stopper.
Andre Onana came in from Inter Milan as United struck a £47.2million deal to reunite Ten Hag with his former Ajax goalkeeper.
People inside Manchester United pushed for Emiliano Martinez
Onana was Ten Hag’s pick, but some inside Old Trafford had other ideas for the goalkeeping addition.
The Independent’s Miguel Delaney reports in his weekly newsletter that United were interested in signing Aston Villa stopper Emiliano Martinez.
It’s claimed that people inside Old Trafford ‘heavily pushed’ for Martinez to be signed over the summer.
Delaney claims there was real belief that Martinez was ready to step up to the elite level after winning the World Cup with Argentina.
Some inside United even loved the ‘abrasive’ personality Martinez brings, believing he had the personality to play for United.
Martinez is a divisive figure at the best of times and famously celebrated in front of The Stretford End in 2021.
Ten Hag personally pushed for Onana and got his way, with Martinez staying at Villa whilst winning the Yashin Trophy at the Ballon d’Or ceremony in October.
Onana justifying Ten Hag faith
Onana had a shaky start to life at Old Trafford, committing a number of errors and receiving major criticism in the process.
That criticism has now died down though, with Onana impressing for United of late.
The penalty save against Copenhagen as well as big saves against Fulham and Luton Town have ultimately resulted in United wins.
United fans have belief in Onana and Ten Hag will feel that he got the decision right – even if Martinez continues to excel for Aston Villa.
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