- Martinez denied Man Utd move
- Scaloni says goalkeeper remains “happy” and focused
- Aston Villa minutes now uncertain
Martinez was close to sealing a sensational move to Manchester United on deadline day, with the World Cup winner agreeing on personal terms with the Red Devils as they searched for a new No.1. However, Ruben Amorim’s side instead ended up signing Senne Lammens from Royal Antwerp for £18 million (€21m/$24.5m).
Speaking to the media, Scaloni opened up on Martinez’s feelings: “I saw Emiliano doing well… in the end, his transfer didn’t happen, but yesterday [September 2] was his birthday and I saw him happy, he looked good. Obviously, he must have been excited about playing for Manchester United, as they said, but he’s a positive kid who’s already thinking about us and returning to his club, which is what he needs to think about. But I saw him doing well.”
Aston Villa boss Unai Emery has suggested that Marco Bizot will now be the team’s No.1 goalkeeper, but Scaloni is not yet worried about Martinez’s future. “We’ll wait and see what happens, because he’s losing continuity,” he said. “Why should I worry now? Why should I get ahead of myself? It’s true that we’re interested in them playing. I understand that if he stays, everything will continue as normal, but it’s not my decision. We’ll see what happens…”
Two-time Yashin Trophy winner Martinez missed Villa’s opening game of the season through suspension and was left out of the squad that lost to Crystal Palace last weekend. While linked with Galatasaray, Martinez has so far rejected moves outside England.
Martinez is set to start for Argentina in their next World Cup qualifying game against Venezuela on Thursday and against Ecuador five days later. Aston Villa are due back in action after the international break when they face Everton on September 13.
