Erik ten Hag transformed Lisandro Martinez from a tough-tackling defensive midfielder into a ball-playing centre-back at Ajax, but might be about to revert that change at Manchester United.
The Red Devils are still pursuing Martinez despite having two bids worth up to £42.2million rejected, with Ajax now increasing their asking price to around £50.7m. Ten Hag is keen to reunite with the 24-year-old at Old Trafford and has just dropped a hint on his plans for Martinez if United can prise him away from Amsterdam, where he's aptly nicknamed "The Butcher" for his aggressive style of play.
While keeping tight-lipped on specific transfer targets during his first press conference of the Red Devils' pre-season tour, the new United manager revealed that his priority positions to strengthen in the summer window are midfield and attack. Supporters were somewhat surprised at that declaration, especially given that Martinez - who Mirror Football understands is ready to force a move to the Premier League - has thrived at centre-back in recent years, rendering him a defender by trade.
