How Emi Martinez taunted Cristiano Ronaldo before Man Utd penalty miss

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Emiliano Martinez is earning quite the reputation as a bit of a s**thouse between the sticks for both club and country.

The 29-year-old kept a clean sheet at Old Trafford on Saturday afternoon, playing a key role in Aston Villa’s shock 1-0 victory over Manchester United. He made some smart stops throughout the 90 minutes, but perhaps his biggest contribution came in injury time, without even making a save.

The Red Devils were awarded the chance to equalise in the dying minutes through a penalty, cancelling out what many had assumed was Kortney Hause’s winning goal. Bruno Fernandes picked up the ball ahead of expected taker Cristiano Ronaldo, and Martinez saw it as the perfect opportunity to whack out the mind games.

The Villa shot-stopper began shouting at Ronaldo, telling him: „You take it, you take it!“ His antics delayed Fernandes‘ match-deciding spot-kick, much to the annoyance of United’s players, and seemingly rattled the Portuguese midfielder.

Fernandes, who boasts an almost perfect penalty record, was perhaps unnerved by Martinez’s demands for Ronaldo to strike the penalty – though Ole Gunnar Solskjaer will tell you otherwise – and uncharacteristically blasted his effort miles over the crossbar.

It was a moment that stunned the Old Trafford crowd, but their anguish didn’t stop there.

Martinez, delighted with his ploy to psyche out the usually reliable Fernandes, decided it was wise to then dance in front of the Stretford End, performing a little antagonising jig to wind up the Manchester United support even more.

Villa held on to their 1-0 lead to secure a famous win at Old Trafford, and owe plenty of it to their super goalkeeper.

Martinez, for the record, has previous for these kinds of antics, too.

Martinez has previously put off Yerry MinaMartinez has previously put off Yerry Mina

Martinez has previously put off Yerry Mina / NELSON ALMEIDA/Getty Images

He was integral on Argentina’s path to Copa America glory this summer, telling Colombia penalty taker Yerry Mina: „You’re nervous, eh? I can tell you’re nervous. I know where you’re going to shoot. Watch and see how I’m gonna eat you up.”

Argentina went on to win the shootout, and ended up lifting the trophy thanks to more of his heroics in the final.