Unai Emery Explains Early Old Trafford Tunnel Exit Following Late Manchester United Equaliser

Aston Villa manager Unai Emery has offered an explanation for his premature departure down the tunnel at Old Trafford, which occurred in the wake of a late equaliser scored by Manchester United against his side. The Villa boss made the move off the pitch before the contest had officially concluded, sparking questions over his swift touchline exit.

Addressing the situation, a prickly Emery defended his actions by claiming that he headed down the tunnel simply because he thought the match was about to end. The Aston Villa boss maintained that his decision to walk away prior to full-time was not driven by anything other than his assumption that the final moments of the encounter had already arrived.

The incident came directly after Manchester United struck late to pull level against Emery's Aston Villa side. In the immediate aftermath of that late leveller at Old Trafford, the Villa manager turned away from the pitch and walked down the tunnel, believing the remaining time had run out and the match was concluding.

Emery's explanation aims to clarify his sharp reaction and early tunnel exit following the late blow dealt by Manchester United. While the scene of the Aston Villa boss leaving the Old Trafford dugout before full-time drew immediate attention, Emery has stood firmly by his claim that he acted solely on the belief that the fixture was on the verge of its final whistle.