Man Utd were ‘very close’ to signing Premier League star before Erik ten Hag rejected board decision

Manchester United eventually opted for another player.

Manchester United were ‘very close’ to signing a Premier League star last summer until Erik ten Hag rejected the board’s decision.

Following the departure of David de Gea last summer, Man United were in the market for a new goalkeeper.

The club were linked with a host of players before Ten Hag opted for Andre Onana, who cost an initial £43.5 million from Ajax.

But, according to the player’s agent, Emiliano Martinez was ‘very close’ to joining Man United before the Onana transfer.

Gonzalo Gon claims ‘everyone at Man United’ thought Martinez was the ‘ideal’ goalkeeper to replace De Gea.

“Last year he was very close to Manchester United, the coach opted for Onana, because he already knew him,” he revealed.

“But everyone at Manchester United later maintained that the ideal goalkeeper to win was Emiliano Martínez.”

Emiliano Martinez in action against Manchester United. Image: Getty

Martinez, 31, has been an ever present for Aston Villa since leaving Arsenal in the summer of 2020.

He transferred to Villa in a deal worth £20 million and is regarded as one of the best goalkeepers in world football.

‘Dibu’ has made an impressive 144 league appearances for the club and helped them secure Champions League football last season.

And he’s excelled on the international stage, winning the 2022 World Cup. He also bagged the Golden Glove award at the tournament.

As for Onana, he played 51 games across all competitions in his debut campaign at Old Trafford.

He came under fire for his performances in goal and received criticism from fans and critics alike for his errors.

Erik ten Hag on Crystal Palace defeat

The Cameroonian played under Ten Hag at Ajax as he lured him away from the Netherlands following his appointment at Man United.