Lee Sharpe: Emi Martinez can be the new Peter Schmeichel for Manchester United

Following the season from hell, Manchester United can finally look ahead to a new start under Ruben Amorim, meaning bringing in his own players to hopefully allow the former Sporting Lisbon manager to fully implement his system. United have been linked with a host of players as the transfer mill takes another spin, and so we caught up with former United winger Lee Sharpe to discuss what the future holds for the club.

Emi Martinez can be the new Peter Schmeichel for United

One of the massive talking points when United’s transfer plans are discussed is the goalkeeping situation. It’s an area of the field they’ve failed to address since David de Gea's decline began a few years ago. De Gea’s drop-off saw the arrival of Andre Onana to help former manager Erik ten Hag implement his idea of building out from the back.

Prior to that, Onana had rubber-stamped his name as one of Europe’s best goalkeepers in Inter Milan’s 2023 run to the Champions League final, yet his time at United had since been marred by clangers and errors, leading to a loss of confidence in the Cameroon international. Sharpe feels as though, whilst the goalkeeping area isn’t a priority, it’s an area United should address if the right option becomes available.

“I think the goalkeeping area is a questionable one. Is it a priority? No. But if the opportunity comes along to upgrade and get a few quid for Onana then I think it’s something they’ll look at.”

“I’m still surprised they let David de Gea go. I know his last two seasons weren’t great but I still think they were better than what Onana has been. He pulls off good saves but then he lets in school boy error goals.”

“Onana hasn’t been helped by the fact United don’t score enough goals. If they scored two or three his mistakes would be under less scrutiny. He’d get away with the mistakes he’s making. Currently though he’s causing them issues.”

“I understand he’s good with his feet and it’s like having an extra player but I think it’s costing United more than they’re gaining.”

United have been linked with Emi Martinez, who looks set to leave Aston Villa this summer, and it is claimed that he would prefer to join United. Sharpe is of the belief that the Argentine can be the new Peter Schmeichel for United if he makes the move to Old Trafford this summer.

“United have been linked with Emi Martinez and I don’t think there’s a club in the world that wouldn’t take Martinez. I think his attitude and charisma is great and he spreads that to his back four. He’s like Schmiechel. He makes saves he shouldn’t pull off and he’ll earn a team 10-12 points a season.”

"Zrikzee is a proper baller"

On the other hand, Rasmus Højlund looks like a player who will either face a lot of time on the bench or move away. Inter Milan are reportedly interested in the Danish striker who has largely struggled during his time at the club. Is it time for Højlund and United to part ways?

“If the club has enough patience and gets a new striker, I think Hojlund could get some games here and there to get some confidence.”

“The wide players haven't really supplied him. He has not had too many chances, so I do feel for him in a way, but on the other hand, he hasn't done that well.”

“He has struggled in areas, but if the club can stay patient and buy a striker, he can possibly learn off him. Maybe he can grow from that.”

Another player who hasn’t had it easy is Joshua Zirkzee, who joined United last summer for a fee of £ 36.5m from Bologna. The Netherlands striker signed a five-year deal with the option of a further year and initially struggled in Manchester and the Premier League. The low point came in United’s 2-0 loss to Newcastle in December 2024. However, Zirkzee has since shown glimpses of his huge potential and Sharpe is a huge fan of the forward.

“I think Zirkzee is an absolute player. I love watching him, I think he is a proper baller. I hope they stick with him. I hope they give him the chance to play, because if he plays 15 games on the spin, we will see a fitter and more confident player. I think he has all the skills, and I think he is an amazing player. I hope they stick with him.”

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