Tom Collomose of the Daily Mail named Manchester United as a potential suitor for Aston Villa goalkeeper Emiliano Martinez on Tuesday, with David De Gea’s contract having just four months to run.
Collomose acknowledged that United are in talks with De Gea over a new deal and said the Red Devils aren’t expecting him to leave this summer, but Martinez may be considered as a replacement if the worst should happen.
The 30-year-old wants to play in the Champions League but Villa are 11th in the Premier League table, so he could be granted a departure if his asking price is met.
However, it makes little sense for United to sign Martinez as De Gea is in fantastic form and may even agree to a pay cut to sign a contract extension at Old Trafford.
The 32-year-old has made 521 appearances in all competitions since joining United from Atletico Madrid in 2011, conceding 564 goals and keeping 180 clean sheets.
He’s also outperforming Martinez in the Premier League this season. De Gea has conceded 28 goals in 24 league games (1.16 per game), keeping 10 clean sheets (41.6%).
Martinez has conceded 31 goals in 21 league games (1.47), keeping only five clean sheets (23.8%). De Gea has a better save percentage (70.7%) than Martinez (65.5%).
The Argentine international, who earns £100k-per-week at Villa, has conceded six more than his expected goals (24.9), so he wouldn’t be an upgrade based on this season.
Ten Hag is better off tying De Gea to a new deal rather than losing him for nothing, as United would be forced to spend a tidy sum on a weaker replacement.
It’s not a good business decision.
Stats from Transfermarkt and WhoScored
