Emi Martinez gets brutal Man Utd transfer message as Bruno Fernandes singled out

Emile Heskey has warned Emi Martinez that he would be joining a "club in crisis" should he get his wish and land a dream summer transfer to Manchester United - even if he understands the lure of such a move.

Martinez, 32, has been heavily linked with a move to Old Trafford in recent weeks following speculation that he may be leaving Aston Villa this summer. And recent reports have indicated that the Argentina international would love to make such a move, though Villa are in a position of strength given he signed a new five-year contract last year.

United endured their worst ever Premier League campaign last season and, unlike Villa, would be unable to offer Martinez European football if he joined.

But while Heskey stresses that the Red Devils are in a precarious position currently, he did acknowledge that the challenge of turning things around at a club of United's stature would undoubtedly appeal.

He told BestBettingSites.co.uk.: “I can see why people would say it’s a step down, but it’s interesting. You’ve got to remember that Manchester United are a huge club even now, and they’ll be massive when they finally get it right again.

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“They’ll be in another universe when that happens. So for Emi, I don’t think it’s a step down if he gets that move to Manchester United, but he can’t kid himself. He’d be going to a club in crisis at the moment. Does he want that?”

Heskey went on to point out that few players, bar Bruno Fernandes, have handled the pressure of representing United during such a turbulent period in their history.

He added: “The pressure on the players to perform now is too much for nine out of 10 players. Only Bruno Fernandes has relished it and embraced it, while others have fallen away.”

While it remains to be seen if United will move for Martinez before the transfer window shuts on 1 September, there is uncertainty over Andre Onana's position following another unconvincing season between the posts.

United have been linked with other goalkeepers, too, including Senne Lammens from Antwerp, who is said to be a long-term target for the Red Devils.

The 23-year-old Belgian was first linked with United back in January and interest in the youngster has seemingly been resurrected, though it remains to be seen if the club will prioritise the signing of a new goalkeeper considering they have limited funds to play with this summer.

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