Emi Martinez should be Manchester United’s transfer priority, even over a striker – opinion | OneFootball

Manchester United should focus on signing Emi Martinez as their next goalkeeper, even if it means prioritising him over signing an elite striker.

Given Man United’s goalscoring difficulties last season, it’s fair to assume that a clinical finisher would be at the top of Ruben Amorim’s transfer wish list this summer.

Still, it might actually prove more prudent for United to focus on first signing a top-level goalkeeper such as Martinez. Here’s why.

He has consistently outperformed Andre Onana

Upon first looking at the 2024/25 Premier League table, it would appear as if United didn’t fair too much worse than Aston Villa defensively, having conceded 54 goals compared to Villa’s 51. However, this due to a collective defensive effort, rather than Onana’s performance between the sticks.

In 37 Premier League appearances last season, Martinez made 100 saves, while only conceding goals during his time on the pitch.

He recorded a 69% save success rate while preventing 1.16 goals per game on average. (Sofascore)

Onana, by comparison, played 34 matches and conceded 44 goals. While one goal less than Martinez, the Cameroonian played three fewer matches, meaning that Martinez let in fewer goals per 90 minutes.

He managed a 67% save accuracy, falling short of Martinez’s figure, while only preventing 0.53 goals per game, far inferior to the Argentine’s record. (Sofascore)

Notably, Martinez made the most high claims of any Premier League goalkeeper last season with 56. Onana paled in comparison with just 10.

What makes Martinez’s performance all the more impressive is his UEFA Champions League campaign. In 12 matches, he produced an 80% save accuracy and a 100% successful run-out record.

Not to mention the fact that ESPN ranked Martinez as the fourth-best goalkeeper in the world.

Now that it has been established that Martinez has been a higher performer, it’s time to break down why his appointment is so urgent.

Onana’s mistakes have cost United in crucial matches

Sadly, Onana has made a series of gaffes at times when victory was crucial for United last season. This happened in both legs of United’s UEFA Europa League tie with Olympique Lyonnais.

While United emerged victorious, their lives would have been made a lot easier had Onana not conceded in the final seconds of the first leg 2-2 draw.

Another glaring example came in the 2-2 draw with Everton, when Onana parried a shot from Jack Harrison high into the air, giving Abdoulaye Doucouré plenty of time to head it into the back of the net.

Of course, there was the embarrassing 3-1 defeat at home to Brighton and Hove Albion, when Onana attempted to stop a cross from Yasin Ayari. Rather than catch the ball cleanly, Onana fumbled it, allowing it to roll into the path of Georginio Rutter, who scored from close range.

While United’s attack must improve, the club’s front line still seems to be able to find its fair share of goals, as even these disappointing results show.

Onana’s goalkeeping, on the other hand, has proven to be the difference between victory, a draw, and defeat, thus undoing all of his teammates’ hard work.

Ultimately, Onana’s errors have been more costly to United than their scoring struggles.

With Cunha, United already have more attacking options

Matheus Cunha is a welcome addition to United this summer, especially given how pivotal he has been up top for Wolverhampton Wanderers these past few seasons.

While Rasmus Hojlund has been far from effective, Cunha is a versatile attacker who can slot in as a striker or as either number 10 in Amorim’s 3-4-2-1 formation.

Not only can Cunha replace Hojlund, but United have had several other proven sources for goals in recent times, including the likes of Bruno Fernandes, Amad Diallo, and even Casemiro and Joshua Zirkzee on occasion.

But while United can make some adjustments to compensate for their lack of strike power, the club has no other options at the back. Onana has been unreliable, as has his deputy, Altay Bayindir.

Taking all of these reasons into account, United would be wise to sign some fresh goalkeeping talent such as Martinez so that defensive failures can finally stop costing them games.

Featured image Daniel Jayo via Getty Images

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