Unai Emery hopes Emiliano Martinez stays at Aston Villa amidst Manchester United links
Aston Villa manager Unai Emery hopes that Emiliano Martinez will stay and win trophies with the Villans amidst links to Manchester United.
Recently, the Argentina international was named the Best FIFA Men’s goalkeeper. In the 2022 World Cup, the 30-year-old was pivotal in the penalty shootouts as La Albiceleste were crowned champions after over three decades.
Speaking via Villa’s official Twitter account (h/t Manchester Evening News), the Spanish manager, who was appointed in the Birmingham-based club’s dugout earlier in the season, has hailed Martinez.
“Emi is an example of self-improvement and has managed to reach the top with many difficulties due to his effort and mentality. For Aston Villa, he is an example and a source of pride. He deserves this award and I hope he gets many trophies with us.”
The 30-year-old spent several years at Arsenal without really breaking into the team. After a number of loan spells, in the 2019/20 season, the shot-stopper got his chance in the Gunners’ first-team after Bernd Leno’s injury.
Under Mikel Arteta at Arsenal, the Argentine went on to lift the FA Cup. However, in the summer of 2020, the Lions signed the goalkeeper on a permanent basis.
At Villa, Martinez has found regular game time. The 30-year-old has been able to showcase his talent on a consistent basis. Subsequently, now, a number of top sides in Europe are eyeing the Argentine.
United have also been associated with the shot-stopper’s signature. At the moment, David de Gea is Erik ten Hag’s first choice at the Old Trafford side. However, the Spaniard’s current contract is set to expire at the end of the campaign.
But the 32-year-old is confident that a new short-term deal can be agreed upon with the Red Devils. Since last season, he has been in fine form for the Manchester-based club.
More Manchester United News
- Paul Parker feels Manchester United forward Alejandro Garnacho has potential to win Ballon d’Or
- Barcelona midfielder Frenkie de Jong ‘remains a target’ for Manchester United ahead of summer transfer window
- Erik ten Hag feels too early to decide on permanent moves for Manchester United duo Wout Weghorst and Marcel Sabitzer
De Gea is an established player at United. Thus it would be wise to keep a hold of him. However, if the Red Devils were to part ways with the 32-year-old, it would seem wise to pursue a youngster goalkeeper rather than Martinez.
