(Football news) Manchester United coach Erik ten Hag has finally managed to land his number one defensive target of the season with Lisandro Martinez set to join the Old Trafford outfit from Ajax. Martinez will be United's second signing after Tyrell Malacia. The player has been the subject of transfer speculation from Arsenal who also showed interest in the Argentinian. However, Manchester United have won the race to sign him thanks to his connection with United’s new manager who has previously worked with him.
The report states that United are already making plans for Martinez so that he will be able to fly to Australia where he will link up with the rest of the squad and will be involved in friendly matches. Ten Hag’s team will play Melbourne Victory on Friday but he won't be able to play in the match.The Argentinian might get his chance to play Premier League sides Crystal Palace and Aston Villa on Tuesday and Saturday respectively. Ten Hag will know all about Martinez and how to get the best out of him, with the Argentine being a regular feature for Ajax over the last three years. He’s primarily a centre-back but will also provide cover at full-back or as a defensive midfielder, something that could be extremely handy as the season goes on.
However, you’d expect Martinez to be mainly used at the heart of the defence as United look to tighten up after a dismal 2021/22 campaign, and Martinez who played his part as Ajax conceded only just 19 goals in 34 Eredivisie games last season could help Manchester United’s backline tremendously. Free agent Christian Eriksen also looks set to finally join Old Trafford , while a fee has also been agreed with Barcelona for priority target Frenkie de Jong, and it looks like United might get three signings done within the next week after a frustrating start to the summer transfer window.
According to Verweij, he added that Ajax were already working on a replacement for the Argentinian as Rangers’ Calvin Bassey is the top target. A left-footed or a left-sided centre back, was much needed in the squad as Martinez will represent a direct challenge to United skipper Harry Maguire for a role alongside Raphael Varane. He is known as “the Argentinian butcher” for his aggressive style. The 5ft 9in hard man should, on paper, provide an excellent counterfoil for the tall and classy Varane. United fans who have missed “mad dog” Marcos Rojo since he left United and will relish the arrival of another Argentinian with a similar mindset. Martinez's best attribute to his game is that he can provide cover at left back and as a holding midfielder.
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