Unai Emery Explains Early Old Trafford Tunnel Exit
Aston Villa manager Unai Emery has explained why he walked down the Old Trafford tunnel before the final whistle during his side’s dramatic 4-4 draw against Manchester United.
The Spaniard said he believed the match was about to end after United scored a late equaliser, rejecting suggestions that his departure was an emotional reaction to the goal being allowed.
The incident occurred during Sunday’s Premier League encounter, which saw Villa surrender two separate two-goal leads against Michael Carrick’s Manchester United.
Emery Says He Thought the Match Was Over
Emery was seen heading towards the tunnel after Patrick Dorgu scored United’s late equaliser. The goal came in the 96th minute, with the match continuing for a short period afterwards.
Speaking to Sky Sports following the game, Emery was asked whether he had left the touchline because of frustration or emotion.
“No emotion,” he explained, saying he thought the match was finishing after the late goal.
The Villa manager insisted that the timing of the equaliser was the reason for his departure. He pointed out that the teams had restarted play around the 96th minute, when he believed the final whistle was imminent.
Emery also denied believing that United’s equaliser should have been disallowed, responding firmly when asked whether he considered the goal unfair.
Aston Villa Surrender Two Leads in Eight-Goal Thriller
The tunnel incident followed an extraordinary match in which Villa twice built a two-goal advantage but failed to secure all three points.
Villa took an early lead through Alysson and Nicolas Jackson, only for United to fight back and level the contest before the break.
The visitors regained control after half-time, with John McGinn and Leon Goretzka scoring to put Villa ahead 4-2.
However, United refused to give up. Joshua Zirkzee reduced the deficit before Dorgu headed home the equaliser in the closing moments, rescuing a point for the hosts.
The result left Villa frustrated after they appeared close to securing a significant away victory.
Villa Question the Late Equaliser
Villa director of football operations Damian Vidagany also expressed concern over the circumstances surrounding United’s final goal.
He questioned whether United goalkeeper Senne Lammens had impeded Villa goalkeeper Zion Suzuki during the corner that led to Dorgu’s header.
The incident was reviewed by VAR, which allowed the goal to stand. Former Manchester United midfielder Roy Keane argued that the contact was part of football and that the decision was correct.
Emery, however, did not claim that the goal was unfair when questioned after the match.
Emery Frustrated by Dropped Points
Although Emery denied leaving because of emotion, he admitted he was angry about Villa’s failure to hold onto their advantage.
The manager clarified that his frustration was directed at the situation rather than his players.
Villa had been in a position to claim three points but conceded twice in the closing stages, losing the opportunity to strengthen their position in the Premier League.
The draw added another dramatic chapter to Villa’s Old Trafford visits, while United’s late comeback offered encouragement after a difficult campaign.
Emery will now turn his attention to Villa’s next fixtures as his side looks to recover from the disappointment of dropping points after such a commanding performance.
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