Argentina and Aston Villa goalkeeper, Emi Martinez, took to mocking Manchester United fans with a dance executed behind a goal after Bruno Fernandes missed a stoppage-time penalty which will have tied the game at 1-1 and seen the Red Devils steal away a crucial point at Old Trafford.
Before the penalty, Martinez was captured on camera seemingly saying that he preferred that Ronaldo took the penalty instead of Fernandes.
This has been interpreted by many fans on social media to be a psychological tactic that eventually unsettled the 27-year-old Portuguese who enjoys a sparkling penalty track record since joining United from Sporting Lisbon in January 2020.
Martinez’s Saturday heroics calls to mind his trash-talk during the semi-finals of the 2021 Copa América in July, where Argentina faced Colombia.
During the Copa penalty shootout, Martinez had verbally intimidated Colombian players, including Sanchez, Yerry Mina, and Borja.
To Mina, the 28-year-old Argentine had said, “You’re laughing but you’re nervous. You’re nervous. Hey, the ball is ahead of the penalty mark. Yeah, turn a blind eye. I already know you. I know where you’ll shoot and then save it. I’m eating you up, brother.”
Martinez then went on to save three of Colombia’s five penalties, sending Argentina through to the final.
Dean Smith’s Aston Villa side have now secured the Birmingham-based club’s first win against the Red Devils in 12 years after central defender Kortney Hause trounced a header past David de Gea.