Unai Emery plays down Emiliano Martínez fallout after failed Manchester United move
Aston Villa manager insists goalkeeper remains committed and calls him 'the best goalkeeper in the world' after transfer interest from Manchester United
Unai Emery sought to dismiss any unrest surrounding Emiliano Martínez on Friday, insisting the Aston Villa goalkeeper remains committed to the club after a summer-long effort to leave that included late interest from Manchester United.
Martínez, who was left out of Villa’s 3-0 home loss to Crystal Palace on Aug. 31 amid the speculation, ultimately stayed at Villa Park after Manchester United chose instead to sign Belgian goalkeeper Senne Lammens on deadline day. Speaking ahead of Villa’s match against Everton, Emery said Martínez’s decision to remain was "good news" and reiterated his praise for the Argentina international.
"I’m so happy. For me he is the best goalkeeper in the world and his commitment to Aston Villa is massive," Emery said. "He is always training at his best and trying to send good messages. He respects Aston Villa and that is not changing."
Emery acknowledged there had been a period of uncertainty but said the situation had been resolved and that Martínez was "happy again." "Some circumstances happened but now everyone is happy. Today the energy was very good," the manager added, noting that the goalkeeper now understands the challenges ahead both with Villa and with the Argentina national team.
Martínez attracted widespread transfer attention after a season in which his performances for Villa and Argentina drew plaudits. He was visibly emotional when he appeared to say goodbye to fans after Villa’s final home game of last season, a moment widely reported during the summer window. Despite that, Villa kept Martínez through the close of the transfer window.
On the same day transfers were concluded, Villa made additions of their own. Emery confirmed that Harvey Elliott and Jadon Sancho joined on loan and Victor Lindelöf arrived on a free transfer, with Emery weighing up which of the new signings might feature against Everton. "Sancho will need time physically and so will Lindelöf but they are in the squad for tomorrow. Elliott has trained normally and is fit," Emery said.
Manchester United’s late move for a goalkeeper ended with the club signing Senne Lammens rather than Martínez, leaving Villa with the experienced Argentina international as they seek to improve a start to the season that has left them without a league goal or victory.
Emery’s comments were intended to present unity and calm in the Villa camp ahead of the Everton fixture, with the manager emphasizing training standards and squad harmony. He declined to elaborate on the internal discussions that followed the transfer speculation but stressed that Martínez’s conduct in training and around the club remained exemplary.
Villa will look to secure their first points and first league goal of the new campaign against Everton, while managing the demands of international call-ups that could affect Martínez and other squad members in coming weeks.