New Manchester United boss Erik ten Hag overruled the club’s recruitment department over the signing of a new central defender this summer.
United had identified Villarreal defender Pau Torres as their primary defensive target this summer with the deal said to be 'discussed and negotiated' with the player’s representatives, who were planning to go to England to wrap up the transfer.
However, Ten Hag put the brakes on the deal by instead insisting that United move to sign versatile defender Lisandro Martinez from Ajax. The Argentine international identified as a potential target for United after missing out on a deal to sign his teammate Jurrien Timber. Arsenal are also interested in a move for Martinez but are unlikely to be able to offer the same incentives for the versatile player, who is primarily a central defender.
