Aston Villa star Emiliano Martinez sent Man United transfer instruction

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Aston Villa goalkeeper Emiliano Martinez is rumoured to be on Manchester United's radar for a potential summer transfer.

Since his move from Arsenal in 2020, Martinez has been a standout performer for Villa and is considered one of the top goalkeepers globally. Arsenal are reportedly keen on bringing Martinez back to the Emirates, while clubs in the Saudi Pro League have reportedly made lucrative offers for the 32-year-old.

However, Neil Cutler, Martinez's former coach, thinks a move to Old Trafford could be appealing for the World Cup winner. Cutler, who worked with Martinez at Villa before leaving the club in 2022, was hailed by the goalkeeper as the "best English coach by miles" upon his departure.

Cutler and Martinez maintain a close friendship, and when questioned about the goalie's future, Cutler told The Sun: "This summer is pivotal for Emi in terms of his career. He's been voted the best goalie in the world twice and there seems to be an opportunity for him this summer, with all of his options open.

"Big clubs are queuing up to speak to him and he either stays at a massive club like Villa or he goes to a truly world-class club. I don't think it's about money with Emi so I don't think he is ready to move to Saudi yet.

"If he does move it would be to a much bigger club - one of the really big-hitters like Barcelona, Real Madrid, Atletico... or even Manchester United. United can't offer him Champions League football but the sheer size of the club and the size of the challenge might appeal to Emi.

"Emi has the confidence required to play for a massive club like United and would feel he could affect the club in a really positive way. He would look at United and say: 'Right, I can make this place better. I can help this club get back to where it was'."

Martinez was left in tears after Villa's final home game of the season, further fuelling speculation that he could be set to leave the club this summer. When asked about the futures of Martinez and Leon Bailey after the game, Villa boss Unai Emery commented: "Now we are focused on the matches we are playing. It is the last match here. I don't know.

"We will see. We will see about the team, the players. They are responding and are so focused on how we are preparing each match. We have more points to play for against Manchester United. We will see how we can get better for the next season."

Following Villa's defeat to United on the final day of the season, when queried directly if it was Martinez's last match for the club, Emery stated categorically: "No way."

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