Unai Emery calls out Emi Martinez after first game since Man United transfer collapsed

Aston Villa manager Unai Emery has picked out goalkeeper Emi Martinez for his performance, a matter of days after a potential transfer to Manchester United collapsed. The Argentine was heavily linked with a move to Old Trafford on deadline day and throughout the summer.

Martinez was left out of Aston Villa's matchday squad for their Premier League clash against Crystal Palace just a day before the deadline. Emery, at the time, refused to be drawn on the reasons for making that decision.

In the end, United opted to swoop for Senne Lammens ahead of Martinez - with the former joining from Belgian side Royal Antwerp. That, in turn, has allowed Andre Onana to complete a loan move to Trabzonspor.

READ MORE: Unai Emery lifts lid on Aston Villa's ambitious Jadon Sancho transfer plan

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Having stayed put at Villa, Martinez was back in their starting line-up for Saturday's Premier League clash against Everton at the Hill Dickinson Stadium. The game ended in a 0-0 draw, and Martinez was widely praised for keeping a clean sheet.

Speaking to Sky Sports after full-time, Emery himself picked out Martinez. "Good evening, it's a good point. A lot of things positive," he said.

"Firstly, the goalkeeper, Martinez did a fantastic job. He saved us a lot of times."

Emery added: "We were defending with the ball, we were being disciplined and organised. Then we've have to improve offensively, as we are not scoring goals - but with this point I am happy. We are building the team and getting confidence and getting emotions together. This point is necessary to keep going.

"Everton are performing very well. Of course, they are improving and we are building a team with circumstances that we have and recognising our positivity. Competing and feeling strong.

"We analysed the last match we played and we were not competing like we were today. Our identify today was [clear] on the field."

Once again touching on Martinez's performance between the posts, Emery went on: "His comeback is fantastic." Martinez was serenaded by the travelling Villa fans during the game. The goalkeeper was also the last Villa player down the tunnel after applauding the away support following full-time.

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