Already plotting one January move, Manchester United and INEOS reportedly want to finalise their deal to sign a Premier League rival when the winter window arrives.
Gary Neville: Amorim "not off the hook" after Sunderland win
It was a good weekend for Man United and a much-needed one after defeat against Brentford prior sparked further questions about Ruben Amorim’s immediate performance. It was particularly promising to see summer signing Benjamin Sesko find back-to-back goals to truly get his Old Trafford career going. Alas, for all the positives, Gary Neville was quick to remind Amorim that there’s still work to be done.
The United legend and Sky Sports pundit said on the Gary Neville podcast: “It was a must-win game and I don’t think it lets him off the hook.
“There’s too many defeats, the record’s too poor so I don’t think anybody will be celebrating too much tonight at Manchester United but I think they’ll be relieved that there is a victory which allows a little bit of peace going into the international break.
“Manchester United win the odd game but that’s nowhere near enough. I don’t think anybody would be kidded on by the fact that Manchester United beat Sunderland at home. The fact that it was even in doubt before the game is probably the problem in itself.”
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The Red Devils enter the international break after a mixed start to the campaign.
BySean Markus Clifford
What should help the Red Devils kick on is the introduction of Senne Lammens, who impressed on his debut against Sunderland. Whether it was Altay Bayindir or Andre Onana, Amorim’s had a goalkeeper problem for far too long, but one that could now be solved by his summer signing.
That said, it seems as though those at Old Trafford are still looking to ensure that their shot-stopping department receives further upgrades. Reports are now even suggesting that they’re ready to finalise one move to do exactly that in January.
Man Utd want to finalise Martinez move
According to reports in Spain, Man United now want to finalise their deal to sign Emiliano Martinez at Amorim’s request in the January transfer window. The Aston Villa goalkeeper very nearly became a Man United player in the summer, before they chose Lammens instead. Now, they reportedly want both and the Argentine could finally get his move as a result.
Going from Bayindir and Onana to Lammens and Martinez would represent the ultimate upgrade for Amorim’s side. From struggling to find a reliable No.1, the Portuguese manager would suddenly have a tough decision to make for all the right reasons.
If United do make their move for Martinez, Villa boss Unai Emery will be disappointed to have to face another transfer saga having praised Martinez so highly after he stayed put.
The Spaniard told reporters: “In football, things always happen with players—some leave, some stay, sometimes someone is close to joining, sometimes close to departing.
“For me, that’s normal; I completely understand it. The fact that Martínez is staying with us is fantastic news. I’m very, very happy. For me, he’s the best goalkeeper in the world. We have the best goalkeeper in the world. His commitment is immense.”