Aston Villa manager Unai Emery was put on the spot today when pressed about Emi Martínez being left out of the squad amid swirling transfer rumours linking him to Manchester United. Reporters asked why the Argentina international, a fan favourite and World Cup winner, had not started, considering his recent high profile.
In a moment that caught everyone’s attention, Emery simply replied with a single name: “Marcos Bizot!”—the club’s new goalkeeper. Though terse, the answer was clear: Emery is backing his recent signing, signalling confidence in Bizot’s readiness for the challenge.
Context & Interpretation
Transfer speculation, including links to Manchester United, has kept Martínez in the headlines and likely complicated squad selection decisions .
Marcos Bizot, who recently made his Premier League debut for Villa, had already made a strong impression.
Emery previously praised his performance in a goalless draw against Newcastle, describing it as “fantastic” and commending how Bizot adapted to the team’s tactical setup .
With a succinct “Marcos Bizot!” in response to questions about Martínez, Emery may have been asserting that selection decisions are based on form and readiness rather than off-field speculation.
