On Wednesday night, when the Villans hosted Maccabi Tel Aviv in a Europa League group stage clash, captain John McGinn was not included in Emery’s starting XI.
However, instead of Martínez donning the armband for the night, Ezri Konsa replaced the Scotland international, guiding his teammates ahead of what would eventually be a 2-0 victory.
MailSport has since suggested Emery’s decision. ‘could be in response’ to Martínez’s failed move to Manchester United in the final week of the transfer window.
Emi Martínez and United: What happened during the summer?
The World Cup winner had been mentioned in talks about United’s goalkeeping targets all summer, although nothing materialized when they decided to stick with Altay Bayindir and Andre Onana.
However, after the performances of both left much to be desired in the first games of the season, INEOS decided to enter the market late to try to sanction the arrival of a new goalkeeper.
They held talks with Martínez and even agreed personal terms with the veteran, before favoring a younger alternative: Royal Antwerp’s Senne Lammens.
Martínez was desperate to make the move from United
Reports have since suggested that Martinez went so far as to tell close friends he was moving to Old Trafford, with the Villa boss even dumping him on the day rumors circulated when the team faced Crystal Palace.
When Lammens’ transfer was signed and sealed, the Villa number 1 was returned to the team in place of Marco Bizot, but apparently not without some repercussions.
The former Arsenal goalkeeper had been second in command since July 2022. Although McGinn’s availability meant Martínez was only handed the armband on rare occasions, it was still a testament to how highly Emery thought of him.