Unai Emery confident in Emi Martinez 'focus' ahead of huge Aston Villa match
Unai Emery says Emi Martinez is fully focused on Villa’s final match of the season at Manchester United despite continued speculation over his future.
The Argentina international has been the focus of considerable talk after leaving the pitch in tears following last week’s win over Tottenham.
Though Villa insist no deal has been agreed to sell any player, Martinez’s representatives are thought to have been contacted by clubs in Saudi Arabia and Europe over the past month.
But Emery is confident the World Cup winner is focused solely on helping Villa get back into the Champions League next season.
They head to Old Trafford targeting a win which would give them a strong chance of a top-five finish and Emery said: “He is so focused, he showed last week against Tottenham, he is performing very well now he is in his best moment.
“It is difficult for the team, it has been difficult for some players, for myself I was struggling five months ago with not enough results we achieved in that moment.
“But now I am so so happy with the individual responses of the players, how the team is focused in each match – as well some players with some speculation.
“But my only speculation is to play on Sunday, to be ready for Sunday and to get our best performances on Sunday.”
Villa have won just twice at Old Trafford in 42 years but will go there favourites against a United team which sits 16th in the Premier League table and lost the Europa League final in midweek.
But Emery warned “Always, (I expect) the best of them. The best. The greatness of Manchester United is still there. The great coach they have is still there.”
