Unai Emery has reacted after Emi Martinez was left out of the Aston Villa squad to face Crystal Palace, with the goalkeeper reportedly closing in on a move to Manchester United
19:13, 31 Aug 2025Updated 19:17, 31 Aug 2025
Unai Emery
Unai Emery gave a hilarious reaction to Emi Martinez questions
Emi Martinez has been dropped from the Aston Villa squad for tonight's match against Crystal Palace, amidst speculation of a possible transfer to Manchester United.
The 32-year-old is rumoured to be on his way to Old Trafford before Monday's 7pm deadline, as the Reds are on the hunt for a new shot-stopper. It came to light on Saturday that United were contemplating a last-minute bid for Martinez after Altay Bayindir blundered again during their 3-2 victory over Burnley.
The Argentinian international, who has received numerous offers, is said to be holding out for a move to the Reds.
Martinez is believed to have agreed personal terms for a switch to United and is eager to finalise a deal before the transfer window closes. The Reds are reportedly in ongoing negotiations with Villa for Martinez.
Unai Emery decided to exclude Martinez from the squad for the 7pm Sunday kick-off against Palace. When questioned by Sky Sports about Martinez's absence, three times Emery replied: "Marco Bizot."
BRENTFORD, ENGLAND - AUGUST 23: Emiliano Martínez of Aston Villa celebrates to his fans during the Premier League match between Brentford and Aston Villa at Gtech Community Stadium on August 23, 2025 in Brentford, England. (Photo by Richard Pelham/Getty Images)
Emi Martinez has been linked with a deadline day move to Manchester United(Image: Richard Pelham, Getty Images)
Despite being in the starting line-up for last weekend's loss at Brentford, Martinez won't be playing against Palace, with Bizot chosen as the Villa goalkeeper. Bizot, who joined from Ligue 1 club Brest on a free transfer in the summer, kept a clean sheet against Newcastle United in the opening game when Martinez was suspended.
Whilst United are in talks with Villa for Martinez, the Reds are also making headway on a deal for Senne Lammens. The 23-year-old has been omitted from consecutive Royal Antwerp squads and discussions with United are ongoing. Lammens hasn't agreed personal terms yet, but there's optimism that a breakthrough can be achieved.
Amorim has witnessed Bayindir make blunders against Arsenal and Burnley in the Premier League. Andre Onana was brought back for the Grimsby match and made mistakes for both of their goals, and in the penalty shootout.
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Following the 3-2 victory over Burnley, Amorim stood by his goalkeepers, arguing that being a keeper at this current United side is particularly challenging. "Guys, they are humans," said Amorim.
"Manchester United, everything is in use. Everybody talks about the goalkeeper. And you can see, I can change the goalkeeper in the situations that happen.
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"We are in that moment. I think it is hard to be a Manchester United goalkeeper in this moment. But if you look at the first goal, we can defend it better. We suffered a quite similar goal against Fulham, because we don't do the full rotation of the team when the ball is on the other side.
"All these small things have nothing to do with the goalkeeper. So, the players are struggling a little bit with all the things around the club. That is normal. So it's not just the goalkeepers. I think everybody has to improve."