Aston Villa’s goalkeeper, Emiliano Martinez, was reportedly on the verge of joining Manchester United last summer, his agent confirmed. 



The Red Devils were in the market for a new number one following the departure of David de Gea. However, they ultimately opted for Andre Onana, reuniting him with head coach <a href="https://worldsoccertalk.com/news/ten-hag-stays-at-united-what-changes-will-he-implement-now/">Erik ten Hag</a>. 



Despite Onana’s familiarity with the Dutchman, some within the club later believed that Martinez would have been a better choice.



Gonzalo Goni disclosed to <a href="https://www.espn.com.ar/futbol/copa-america/nota/_/id/13872505/dibu-martinez-mentalidad-ganadora-club-estuvo-por-ficharlo-futuro-gonzalo-goni-espn-f12" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">ESPN Futbol 12</a> that Martinez was “very close” to sealing a move to <a href="https://worldsoccertalk.com/teams/manchester-united-tv-schedule/">Manchester United</a>. 



However, Ten Hag’s preference for Onana, whom he knew from their time together at Ajax, swayed the decision in favor of the Cameroonian goalkeeper. “Last year he [Martinez] was very close to Manchester United, [but] the coach chose Onana, because he already knew him,” he stated.



It makes sense that Ten Hag’s acquaintance with Onana had a role in the signing of the player. However, the agent claimed that many at the club later felt Martinez would have been a better goalkeeper to help the team succeed. 



Because of his great play for Aston Villa and the Argentine national team, the 31-year-old holds high esteem; this reported praise only reflects that.



<h2>How has Emiliano Martinez fared so far?</h2>



Since joining Aston Villa from Arsenal in 2020, Martinez has developed into one of the world’s top goalkeepers. 



Over 159 appearances for Villa, he has kept 54 clean sheets, showcasing his consistency and reliability.



In the previous season, Martinez was in exceptional form, recording 15 clean sheets in 47 appearances across all competitions. The veteran also played a crucial role in Villa’s fourth-place finish in the Premier League, securing a Champions League spot.



Martinez has also been pivotal for Argentina, especially during their 2022 World Cup triumph. His heroics in penalty shootouts, including the <a href="https://worldsoccertalk.com/copa-america/argentina-barely-hangs-on-in-shootout-win-over-ecuador/">Copa America quarterfinal against Ecuador</a>, have cemented his reputation as a clutch performer in critical moments.



For now, his focus likely remains on helping Argentina in the Copa America and preparing for Villa’s <a href="https://worldsoccertalk.com/champions-league-tv-schedule/">Champions League</a> campaign. 



Despite the near move to Manchester United, his immediate future seems tied to Villa; especially given the club’s recent success and participation in European competition.



Goni hinted at the possibility of future moves for his client, indicating ongoing conversations and a willingness to explore new opportunities. 



“He will certainly compete in the Champions League and, with a goalkeeper like Emiliano, who turns everything into a box of surprises, he ends up competing on a large scale,” Goni noted. This leaves the door open for potential transfers, including a possible future move to a club like Manchester United.



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><figure class="image"><img loading="lazy" width="1200" height="675" src="https://ds-images.bolavip.com/news/image?src=https://images.worldsoccertalk.com/webp/full/WST_20240707_WST_515154_Martinez-Save-1200x675_b1afb361.webp&amp;width=1200&amp;height=675" alt="" class="wp-image-515188" srcset="https://worldsoccertalk.cms.futbolsitesnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/6/2024/07/Martinez-Save-1200x675.jpg 1200w, https://worldsoccertalk.cms.futbolsitesnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/6/2024/07/Martinez-Save-300x169.jpg 300w, https://worldsoccertalk.cms.futbolsitesnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/6/2024/07/Martinez-Save-768x432.jpg 768w, https://worldsoccertalk.cms.futbolsitesnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/6/2024/07/Martinez-Save-1536x864.jpg 1536w, https://worldsoccertalk.cms.futbolsitesnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/6/2024/07/Martinez-Save.jpg 1920w" sizes="(max-width: 1200px) 100vw, 1200px"></figure><figcaption>Martinez’s saves helped guide Aston Villa to the Champions League.</figcaption></figure>



<h2>How has Andre Onana fared so far?</h2>



<a href="https://worldsoccertalk.com/news/erik-ten-hag-blocked-elite-goalkeeper-move-in-favor-of-onana-20231112-WST-469557.html">Andre Onana</a>‘s debut season at Manchester United was marked by initial struggles. High-profile errors led to scrutiny and doubts about his suitability as United’s first-choice goalkeeper. Despite these challenges, Onana managed to recover and show positive form in the latter part of the season.



The Cameroonian finished the 2023-24 season with 13 clean sheets in 51 appearances, including nine in the <a href="https://worldsoccertalk.com/watch-premier-league-on-us-tv-internet/">Premier League</a>, matching Martinez’s tally. With Altay Bayindir as the backup and Tom Heaton continuing as the third-choice goalkeeper, Onana is expected to remain United’s number one for the upcoming season.



Photo credit: IMAGO / Newscom World IMAGO / Sportsphoto

Ten Hag vetoed deal for Messi's Argentina teammate, agent says

Aston Villa's goalkeeper, Emiliano Martinez, was reportedly on the verge of joining Manchester United last summer, as revealed by his agent.

Ten Hag vetoed deal for Messi's Argentina teammate, agent says - World Soccer Talk

Another famous Argentina star, Emiliano Martinez, is interested in representing his country in the 2024 Summer Olympics. He may play with <a href="https://worldsoccertalk.com/news/messi-sets-sights-on-another-trophy-to-play-at-2024-olympics-20240120-WST-484592.html">Lionel Messi</a> at this summer’s event.



With a 1-0 win against Brazil, Argentina secured their spot in the <a href="https://worldsoccertalk.com/olympics-soccer-schedule-and-tv-guide/">2024 Summer Olympics</a> in Paris. Now, coach Javier Mascherano has three players above the age of 23 to choose from. Thus, the Argentine media wasted no time in getting in touch with him to discuss his choices.



Mascherano did not duck the topic and instead talked frankly about his old friend and international teammate Lionel Messi.



“Everyone already knows my relationship with Leo [Messi] and with Angel [Di Maria]: We are friends. As a coach, I have an obligation to invite them. But we also understand they have other commitments, and it will depend on that too.”



<h2>Another player shows a desire to join Messi and Di Maria</h2>



Both of the most recent <a href="https://worldsoccertalk.com/2022/04/07/world-cups-and-olympics-present-historic-opportunity-for-u-s/">Olympic Games</a> have included the men’s national team of Argentina. But they haven’t won a medal since 2008, when Le Albiceleste won gold in Beijing thanks to a then-21-year-old Lionel Messi. At the time, Mascherano was one of three players older than 23 that were part of the team.



Given that the <a href="https://worldsoccertalk.com/news/how-copa-america-2024-could-shape-soccer-in-the-united-states-20231208-WST-475389.html">2024 Copa America</a> concludes on July 14, Messi will be theoretically free to compete for Argentina in the Olympics. The group stage of the Olympics will begin exactly ten days after the Copa America ends.



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><figure class="image"><img loading="lazy" width="1200" height="670" src="https://ds-images.bolavip.com/news/image?src=https://images.worldsoccertalk.com/webp/full/WST_20240216_WST_489942_Messi-Martinez-1200x670_1a950a12.webp&amp;width=1200&amp;height=670" alt="" class="wp-image-489959" srcset="https://worldsoccertalk.cms.futbolsitesnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/6/2024/02/Messi-Martinez-1200x670.jpg 1200w, https://worldsoccertalk.cms.futbolsitesnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/6/2024/02/Messi-Martinez-300x168.jpg 300w, https://worldsoccertalk.cms.futbolsitesnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/6/2024/02/Messi-Martinez-768x429.jpg 768w, https://worldsoccertalk.cms.futbolsitesnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/6/2024/02/Messi-Martinez.jpg 1280w" sizes="(max-width: 1200px) 100vw, 1200px"></figure></figure>



Despite growing anticipation, neither Maria nor Messi—eight-time Ballon d’Or winner—have said if they will play for their nation in Paris. Meanwhile, another World Cup champion has added gasoline to the fire of the Albiceleste anticipation.



<a href="https://worldsoccertalk.com/news/erik-ten-hag-blocked-elite-goalkeeper-move-in-favor-of-onana-20231112-WST-469557.html">Emiliano Martinez</a>, goalkeeper for Aston Villa, has demanded that Javier Mascherano make a place for him in the Olympic starting lineup. If the former Barcelona center-back gives him the go-light, he would love to join the veterans in France.



<h2>What did Emiliano Martinez say about Argentina and Olympics?</h2>



Martinez discussed the matter with <a href="https://www.directvsports.com/futbol/Dibu-Martinez-en-exclusiva-con-DSports-Si-hay-algo-que-me-falta-con-la-Seleccion-Argentina-es-ganar-los-Juegos-Olimpicos-20240214-0011.html" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">DirecTV Sports</a>, saying: “If there’s something missing for me with the national team, it’s winning the Olympic Games.”



Martinez, on the other hand, promised to make room for newcomers if Argentina were to win the Copa America. “Young players always need the opportunity, and if we do well in the Copa America and win it, we should give the youngsters a chance,” he added.



To address the topic of generational shifts, ‘Dibu’ said that the U-23 players “deserve it and are in a good moment, there is no reason to change”.



The fact that Martinez wants to be on the Olympic team with Messi shows how serious the Argentine players are about competing at the best level and winning medals for their country. Messi, at 36, would face extreme physical demands if he attempted to mimic Pedri.



The Barcelona ace competed in both the 2021 European Championship and the 2021 Summer Olympics. More intriguingly, Jerome Rothen, a former France international, urged PSG supporters to jeer Lionel Messi. That is if Messi features in the Argentina squad that travels to Paris.



PHOTOS: IMAGO

World Cup winner set to join Messi at Olympics

Emiliano Martinez is excited by the prospect of joining forces with Lionel Messi and Angel Di Maria when Argentina plays in the Olympics.

In the last transfer window, Manchester United manager Erik ten Hag reportedly prevented the club from securing the signature of a particular Argentine World Cup winner. 



This decision came as the Red Devils bid farewell to Spanish goalkeeper David de Gea, who boasted the highest number of clean sheets in the Premier League during the previous season.



It was rumored that the Red Devils had offered <a href="https://worldsoccertalk.com/news/de-gea-to-make-long-awaited-return-where-will-he-play-next-20230920-WST-457449.html">De Gea</a> a new contract. Although the Spaniard won the 2022-23 Premier League Golden Glove, a few blunders plagued his last season, and a new contract with a considerable wage drop could not be agreed upon.



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><figure class="image"><img loading="lazy" width="1200" height="670" src="https://ds-images.bolavip.com/news/image?src=https://images.worldsoccertalk.com/webp/full/WST_20231112_WST_469557_David-De-Gea-1200x670.webp&amp;width=1200&amp;height=670" alt="" class="wp-image-469571" srcset="https://worldsoccertalk.cms.futbolsitesnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/6/2023/11/David-De-Gea-1200x670.jpg 1200w, https://worldsoccertalk.cms.futbolsitesnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/6/2023/11/David-De-Gea-300x168.jpg 300w, https://worldsoccertalk.cms.futbolsitesnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/6/2023/11/David-De-Gea-768x429.jpg 768w, https://worldsoccertalk.cms.futbolsitesnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/6/2023/11/David-De-Gea.jpg 1280w" sizes="(max-width: 1200px) 100vw, 1200px"></figure><figcaption>Davide De Gea is still without a club after leaving Manchester United</figcaption></figure>



As a result, the team elected to release the goalkeeper before the end of the season, allowing the veteran shot-stopper to be available to sign with any club.



After allowing Dean Henderson to sign a permanent contract with Crystal Palace, the club’s longest-serving goalkeeper, Tom Heaton, was marked for a backup role. 



As a result, the Red Devils’ scouting department tried to add two new goalkeepers in preparation for the current season.



Jordan Pickford of Everton and Villa’s Martinez were among the several players rumored to be moving to Old Trafford. They decided to go with <a href="https://worldsoccertalk.com/news/united-faces-awkward-reunion-if-andre-onana-plays-in-afcon-20231026-WST-464991.html">Andre Onana</a> and Altay Bayindir of Fenerbahce.



<h2>Ten Hag ordered United to pull plug on Emiliano Martinez deal</h2>



The club allegedly spent $53 million to acquire Andre Onana, a Cameroonian international who had been playing for <a href="https://worldsoccertalk.com/teams/inter-milan-tv-schedule/">Inter</a>. Nevertheless, he has received widespread criticism since his arrival.



In 11 appearances for United, the 27-year-old has only managed to keep three clean sheets. Interestingly, it has come to light that if not for <a href="https://worldsoccertalk.com/news/brighton-thrash-man-united-to-pile-misery-on-ten-hag-20230916-WST-456674.html">Ten Hag</a>‘s interference, United may have had an arguably superior goalkeeper in their ranks.



According to <a href="https://www.independent.co.uk/sport/football/miguel-delaney-football-updates-newsletter-b1859565.html" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">The Independent</a>, Manchester United sought to acquire Emiliano Martinez, the goalkeeper for <a href="https://worldsoccertalk.com/news/aston-villa-sign-arsenal-goalkeeper-emiliano-martinez-20200916-CMS-310530.html">Aston Villa</a>. Martinez was a key member of Argentina’s World Cup-winning squad in Qatar in 2022.



The Dutch manager allegedly prevented the club from contacting the World Cup winner because he favored a trade for Onana, according to the article. Because of his prior experience with Onana, he was already certain of his competence.



Onana’s move to Old Trafford was facilitated in large part by the fact that he and Ten Hag had worked together at Ajax Amsterdam. He was able to sign his preferred player instead of Martinez after the board made his preferences known.



<h2>Who has better stats this season?</h2>



Even so, the 27-year-old Cameroonian has had some bright spots at Old Trafford. A week and a half before their 4-3 defeat to Copenhagen in Group A, he saved a penalty from Jordan Larsson to help his team beat the Danes, 1-0.



In Saturday’s 1-0 victory against Luton Town, Onana recorded his sixth clean sheet of the season (in all competitions). It was also his second consecutive league clean sheet following the previous matchday’s exact victory over Fulham.



In contrast, Martinez had four shutouts in the first 15 games of the season. He has only earned two clean sheets in the Premier League and conceded in each of his previous five top-flight appearances.



Despite this, the Argentine was honored with the <a href="https://worldsoccertalk.com/news/uefa-partners-with-ballon-dor-in-latest-battle-with-fifa-20231103-WST-467132.html">Yashin Trophy</a> at this year’s Ballon d’Or awards, recognizing his outstanding performances in the World Cup. In the same rankings, Onana secured the sixth position following his contributions to Inter’s journey to the final of the Champions League.



Photo credit: IMAGO / Laci Perenyi IMAGO / NurPhoto

Erik ten Hag blocked elite goalkeeper move in favor of Onana

Rather of pursuing an elite goalie transfer, Erik ten Hag advised Manchester United executives to pursue a deal for Andre Onana instead.

Erik ten Hag blocked elite goalkeeper move in favor of Onana - World Soccer Talk

The International Football Association Board (IFAB) has announced <a href="https://www.theifab.com/law-changes/latest/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">rule changes</a> pertaining to goalkeepers during penalty shootouts effective from July 1st.



As per the new changes, goalkeepers will no longer be allowed to taunt the penalty takers in any way leading up to the spot kick.



Moreover, it is deemed that goalkeepers cannot delay the execution of the penalty by throwing away the ball, distracting the taker, or demonstrating behaviors that fail to show respect. 



Keepers will also not be allowed to touch goalposts or nets per the rule change.



<figure class="wp-block-embed is-type-rich is-provider-twitter wp-block-embed-twitter"><div class="wp-block-embed__wrapper">
<div class="ck-twitter"><blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-width="500" data-dnt="true">🚨🧤𝐎𝐅𝐅𝐈𝐂𝐈𝐀𝐋 | From July 1st, IFAB rule changes have prevented goalkeepers from taunting during penalties. ➤ GKs cannot touch goalposts &amp; nets ➤ Delay execution of penalty ➤ Unfairly distract the taker ➤ Behaviours that fail to show respect <a href="https://t.co/2DAexoKSMT">pic.twitter.com/2DAexoKSMT</a>— EuroFoot (@eurofootcom) <a href="https://twitter.com/eurofootcom/status/1639688084420689921?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 25, 2023</a></blockquote></div><script async="" src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>
</div></figure>



<h5>World Cup Martinez tactics outlawed</h5>



The recent developments will forever change how goalkeepers like <a href="https://worldsoccertalk.com/2020/09/16/aston-villa-sign-arsenal-goalkeeper-emiliano-martinez/">Emiliano Martinez</a> approach penalty shootouts. 



The Argentine shot-stopper used mind games during the penalty shootout in the final against France in World Cup in Qatar.



Martinez threw the ball away before Aurélien Tchouameni’s spot-kick as the latter dragged his shot wide, leading to Argentina’s triumph minutes later.



Martinez also used similar tactics, including mind games during the <a href="https://worldsoccertalk.com/2021/07/06/keeper-martinez-sends-argentina-into-copa-final-against-brazil/">semi-final of the Copa America</a> in 2021 against Colombia, most notably when he saved Yerry Mina’s penalty.



Argentine went on to win the tournament in the final against hosts Brazil.



The rule changes are bound to make it skewed towards the penalty taker and take away any advantage the keeper might have leading to the kick. It is important to note despite Martinez using his mind games; the Aston Villa keeper saved four penalties in the shootout, two each in the final and the quarter-final against the Netherlands.



With the goalkeeper now keeping distance in penalty shootouts, it takes the pressure factor out for the takers. 



<h5>Anger from goalkeepers</h5>



France keeper Mike Maignan has <a href="https://www.dailymail.co.uk/sport/football/article-11903781/France-keeper-Mike-Maignan-slates-new-penalty-rules-inspired-Emiliano-Martinez.html?ns_mchannel=rss&amp;ns_campaign=1490&amp;ito=1490" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">blasted the new rule changes</a> and sarcastically claimed on his Twitter account that it won’t be long before keepers might have to turn their backs to the shot. The AC Milan custodian also said, “If the penalty is saved, the opposition gets an indirect freekick.”



<figure class="wp-block-embed is-type-rich is-provider-twitter wp-block-embed-twitter"><div class="wp-block-embed__wrapper">
<div class="ck-twitter"><blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-width="500" data-dnt="true">Nouvelles règles de l&apos;IFAB pour les penalties en 2026: 🔄Les gardiens devront être de dos au moment du tir ❌En cas d&apos;arrêt, coup-franc indirect <a href="https://t.co/nRpa0wi0b2">https://t.co/nRpa0wi0b2</a>— Magic Mike Maignan (@mmseize) <a href="https://twitter.com/mmseize/status/1639619310023761921?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 25, 2023</a></blockquote></div><script async="" src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>
</div></figure>



The new rules mean that Bruce Grobelaar’s spaghetti legs, Jerzy Dudek’s body movement, and Tim Krul’s waiting at the penalty spot along with Martinez’s tactics, will be a thing of the past.



Photo: IMAGO / Sports Press Photo

The International Football Association Board (IFAB) has announced rule changes for goalkeepers during penalty shootouts from July 1st.

Goalkeepers no longer allowed to taunt penalty kick takers - World Soccer Talk

Goalkeepers no longer allowed to taunt penalty kick takers

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