Fact or fiction? Emiliano Martinez reveals himself whether the news that he almost moved to Manchester United to replace André Onana is true.
On 22 May 2026, is it fact or just a joke? Emiliano Martinez, the Argentine World Cup-winning goalkeeper, revealed himself about the rumors that he nearly transferred from Aston Villa, the 'Villains,' to guard the goal at Manchester United, the 'Red Devils,' replacing Cameroonian keeper André Onana.
Looking back to last summer, Emiliano Martinez, formerly Arsenal's goalkeeper, was heavily linked with a move to Old Trafford, largely because the then first-choice keeper André Onana was showing signs of unreliability and poor form.
On the final day, it was Senne Lammens, a young and handsome Belgian goalkeeper, who was signed instead. Rumors circulated that Martinez spent the entire last day of the transfer window waiting by his phone for a call to join the renowned Manchester club but was left disappointed, even shedding tears of sorrow. During the Europa League celebration, he said, “Everyone, I have something to say. Many people said I almost moved to Manchester United. It's not true, not true.”