Football transfer news: Two back-to-back rejections for Manchester United
Manchester United has faced consecutive rejections in their pursuit of key players ahead of the new season. Villa first rejected a loan offer for Emi Martinez and then denied selling Ollie Watkins.
Last Updated: 04.00 PM, Jul 25, 2025
As per the latest football transfer news, Manchester United have faced back-to-back rejections in their search for two key players for the upcoming season. Ruben Amorim's side is desperate to have a new striker, along with a goalkeeper to replace injured Andre Onana.
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The coincidence is that the Red Devils have faced rejection on both occasions from Premier League club Aston Villa. First United went for Villa's main goalkeeper, Emi Martinez. As OTTPlay had already reported that United are looking for a new goalkeeper after their main man in the goal got injured before the preseason.
With Andre Onana set to miss nearly two months of the season, United were desperate to have someone like Martinez to replace him. While United sent a proposal to Vila for a loan agreement for Martinez, they faced the first rejection.
The Argentine goalkeeper is valued at £20 million and is a crucial part of Unai Emery’s side, which reached the quarter-finals of the Champions League last season as well. With Martinez being an important cog for Villa, they will certainly look for more money for a player like him.
United's second rejection came when they reached out to Villa again for a possible deal for Ollie Watkins. Amorim is looking for a striker for the next season after not being happy with the performance of Rasmus Hojlund and Joshua Zirkzee. The current United boss had set his eyes on Watkins, but Villa has already rejected the offer, saying that he would also be an important player for them for the next season.
Players Manchester United have signed this transfer window:
- Matheus Cunha - Wolverhampton Wanderers - Permanent
- Enzo Kana-Biyik - Le Havre (free agent) - Permanent
- Diego Leon - Cerro Porteno - Permanent
- Bryan Mbeumo - Brentford - Permanent
Who is on target for Ruben Amorim?
Benjamin Sesko from RB Leipzig and Fiorentina’s Moise Kean are on the shopping list for Ruben Amorim, if they do not get Ollie Watkins from Aston Villa. In terms of the goalkeeper situation, they are yet to decide if they want to bring in a young reserve goalkeeper or buy a senior goalkeeper from the transfer market.