Manchester United have been in need of a player like Lisandro Martinez for a long-time and they're about to address a huge position of need in the best way possible. The Reds have confirmed the imminent signing of Argentina international Martinez from Ajax.
United turned their attention to Martinez last month after his Ajax teammate Jurrien Timber opted to stay with the Dutch champions. New United manager Erik ten Hag has prioritised targets he is familiar with and the club has backed the Dutchman over their recruitment department.
The club's scouting analysts had identified Villarreal defender Pau Torres as the ideal left-footed centre half to sign but Ten Hag insisted on Martinez. And his versatility gives him a big edge over Torres.
READ MORE: Three Manchester United moments vs Crystal Palace showed what Erik ten Hag wants
It was Ten Hag who signed Martinez for Ajax three years ago, who quickly looked to mould the player into what he calls a “brain for central midfield” after a certain Frenkie de Jong joined Barcelona that same summer.
In a new country, Martinez was used in three positions - left-back, centre-back and defensive midfield - something he didn't enjoy. "At the beginning, I felt like going home and crying," he told La Nacion back in 2020. "The first few weeks were horrible. Different intensity. Different control. Different passes. Different reading of the game.”
But quickly, Martinez improved. His time playing in midfield saw him become even more confident on the ball - using his pace to fly across the pitch and his defensive capabilities to react quickly to danger.
His ability to play in three positions should be a huge asset to Manchester United, another big reason that Ten Hag will have targeted him - he's naturally left-footed.
Last season, Ralf Rangnick tried Harry Maguire at left-sided centre-back - a position he did not appear comfortable in and was targeted by opposition on runs down the left flank - with teams seeing a lack of pace in the left-back. Luke Shaw or Alex Telles, and Maguire.
Now, those two positions can be held by Tyrell Malacia and Martinez - who have speed in abundance.
This also allows Maguire to move back to the right-side of central defence, however, he will compete for a spot alongside Raphael Varane and Martinez for a starting position.
READ MORE:
