Emiliano Martinez was hoping to join Manchester United this summer, but he did not get his move after the Red Devils signed Senne Lammens instead of the World Cup winner
Aston Villa have sent a message to Emiliano Martinez just hours after the goalkeeper missed out on a move to Manchester United. Martinez was hoping to join United on deadline day, but the Red Devils ultimately decided to sign Senne Lammens instead.
It remains to be seen what the future holds for Martinez, with the transfer window still open in other countries. However, Villa have sent him a birthday message, with the goalkeeper turning 33 the day after deadline day.
In response to the post, one fan joked: "Sometimes the timings of things are just too perfect. Happy Birthday Emi. Sorry you never got your move UTV." Another added: "This is comedy gold".
A third wrote: "Birthday cake? More like humble pie. UTV". Another said: "Are villa pretending the past few days haven't happened?"
Martinez did feature in Villa's 1-0 defeat to Brentford last month, but he did not make the squad for their 3-0 loss to Crystal Palace on Sunday after informing club chiefs of his desire to join United.
"It is one thing we have to fix," Villa boss Unai Emery told Sky Sports after the game when asked about Martinez. "Tomorrow the window is finishing and we are expecting something to improve our squad.
"Keep calm. One of the circumstances is Emi Martinez, we will see tomorrow and then we try get the balance and work after the break."
He also told BBC Match of the Day: "We will see tomorrow [if he stays]. Of course, one of the circumstances that is not helping us. We need others, of course. I am happy with the players we have, but we have to get something more in the squad."
Emery then added in his post-match press conference: "We have a lot of circumstances that aren’t helping us to be mentally like we were last year. After tomorrow we are going to set everything.
"We need the players focused and 100 per cent. He wasn't. I want Marco Bizot, a young player, Emi Martinez or another."