Emi Martinez was left out of Aston Villa’s matchday squad on Sunday, ahead of a potential deadline day move to Manchester United – but the Red Devils have sold a « little treasure » according to the ‘keeper
Emi Martinez believes Manchester United have sold a « little treasure » in Alejandro Garnacho. Aston Villa goalkeeper Martinez was left out of Unai Emery’s squad on Sunday that lost 3-0 to Crystal Palace, with the manager confirming he wasn’t « focused » on the game due to a possible transfer.
While Ruben Amorim insists he is happy with his options of Andre Onana and Altay Bayindir, the pace is picking up on the World Cup-winning ‘keeper making a last minute move to Manchester. However, Martinez won’t be pleased that the Portuguese manager has gotten rid of one of his international teammates, following Garnacho’s £40million move to Chelsea.
Back when the young winger made his debut for Argentina in June 2023, the shot-stopper was full of praise for Garnacho’s capabilities both on and off the field. Speaking to TyC Sports at the time, he said: « He is a very humble guy. He came to work; he didn’t talk a lot.
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« He is very eager to play. The truth is that he’s a little treasure and I hope we can mould him so that he gives us as much as Angel Di Maria. »
So while Martinez may be saddened by Garnacho’s move away from the club he could potentially join in the next few hours, he still has a familiar face in front of him in United’s backline. During Argentina’s famous World Cup win in 2022, the heroic ‘keeper dubbed Lisandro Martinez an « animal », as the pair helped their country to their third trophy of its kind – and the first since 1986.
The defender has been out of the United squad with a cruciate knee ligament injury since last season, but is targeting a return to the field after the international break.
Meanwhile, the Villa shotstopper could be the answer to Amorim’s problems between the sticks, as both current goalkeepers have failed to impress fans and pundits alike since the start of the season.
Onana has made one appearance for the Red Devils so far this campaign, in the dramatic penalty shootout loss to Grimsby Town in the Carabao Cup. While the ‘keeper did save one spot kick, he failed to keep two goals out of United’s net in regular time, and has since been dropped in favour of Bayindir once more.
The Turkish star has started all three of United’s Premier League games, but he hasn’t instilled confidence with his performances so far. Bayindir has conceded four goals in three matches, including two from a newly-promoted Burnley on Saturday.
Discussing the potential loss of his number one goalkeeper, Emery was as coy as possible as he just named Martinez’ replacement, Marco Bizot, repeatedly to the media.
When questioned further on the 32-year-old’s absence, he replied: « He was not available. Tomorrow is the deadline, and we will see how we finish. We need the players focused and 100 per cent.
« He wasn’t. We will see tomorrow. I cannot tell anything more. I don’t know, this is the reality. We will see tomorrow. »
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