“Cantona of his generation” wants to join Man Utd

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“Cantona of his generation” wants to join Man Utd

Back in November 1992, Manchester United completed the £1m signing of forward Eric Cantona, in a deal that will certainly be one of the best in the club’s history.

The Frenchman managed to score 64 goals in his 143 appearances over a five-year spell, but it was often his antics without the ball that made him as known as he was at Old Trafford.

In the 1994/95 campaign, the attacker infamously kung-fu kicked a Crystal Palace supporter after receiving abuse as he exited the pitch after picking up a red card.

He was subsequently banned for eight months, before returning for the next campaign and spending two more years with the Red Devils before departing back in 1997.

However, in the present day, boss Ruben Amorim has the opportunity to land another star who’s been labelled a similar player to the iconic star due to his own antics.

The latest on United’s hunt for new additions this window

Over the last couple of days, United have been linked with a move to sign Chelsea star Nicolas Jackson, as Amorim looks to strengthen his front line ahead of 2025/26.

No bid has yet been made for the Senegalese international, who scored 13 goals across all competitions, but he could be allowed to leave after the arrivals of Joao Pedro and Liam Delap.

However, other moves have also been made, with Aston Villa goalkeeper Emi Martinez firmly on their radar this window, according to La Nacion via Sport Witness.

They claim that the Argentinian international is already in negotiations over a move to join the Red Devils this summer, even stating his desire to move to Old Trafford during the off-season.

It also states that the 32-year-old could be available for a fee in the region of £40m this window, with Unai Emery’s side prepared to allow him to depart if they can land a replacement.

Why United’s £40m target would be more important than Watkins

Ollie Watkins has been another player firmly on United’s radar over the last couple of weeks, with the hierarchy wanting to hand Amorim the quality and depth he desires in the final third.

The 29-year-old has been linked with a £60m switch to join the Red Devils this window, after netting 17 goals for the Villans across all competitions in 2024/25.

However, it would be a huge investment in a player who’s evidently coming towards the back end of his professional career, arguably having no resale value if he stays at the club for many years.

Other options should be considered in such a department, which could make Martinez a more important addition to the club – especially considering the situation in such a department.

Current number one Andre Onana is out with a hamstring injury and could miss the start of the 2025/26 campaign, opening the door to added investment in such a department.

Martinez, who’s been labelled the “Cantona of his generation” by Sky Sports’ Dougie Critchley, has constantly been a showman during his time in the Premier League, even having an infamous battle with striker Neal Maupay.

When comparing his stats to those of the Cameroonian from last season, the Argentine has massively outperformed him in numerous key areas – highlighting why he’d be a crucial addition to Amorim’s side.

The Argentine managed to concede fewer goals per 90, whilst also achieving a higher save percentage, handing the side the needed defensive reinforcements they desperately need next season.

How Martinez compares to Onana in the PL (2024/25)

Statistics (per 90)

Martinez

Onana

Games played

37

34

Goals conceded

1.2

1.3

Saves made

4

3.7

Save percentage

70%

68%

Pass accuracy

78%

72%

Long pass accuracy

49%

36%

Penalty save percentage

50%

25%

Crosses claimed

1.6

0.6

Stats via FBref

Martinez has further impressed in recent times, claiming more crosses per 90 than the current United number one last season, offering Amorim a goalkeeper who can offer a commanding presence within his own box.

The 32-year-old is also a two-time FIFA Goalkeeper of the Year award winner, showcasing his ability to perform at the very top level of European football when required.

Such experience could be crucial in the club’s attempts to rise up the league table and challenge for a place in Europe again in the near future.

There’s no denying that Watkins would hand the side an added focal point, but Martinez would offer an immediate upgrade and fix to a problem position at the Theatre of Dreams.

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