Defender Lisandro Martinez has admitted that he is "proud" of the way he developed under Erik ten Hag at Ajax amid Manchester United's ongoing interest in his signature.
United, as reported by the Manchester Evening News on Saturday, have submitted a £37million offer for the versatile Argentine, as Ten Hag looks to bolster his defensive options. Arsenal are also heavily interested in the 24-year-old and have forced United to make their move.
Martinez, who joined Ajax from Defensa y Justicia back in 2019, scooped Ajax's Player of the Year award last season, playing a key role in helping them scoop their latest Eredivisie title crown. He is also capable of operating in three different positions, proving comfortable at centre-back, left-back and in defensive-midfield.
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Considered as one of the jewels in Ajax's crown, Martinez has namechecked Ten Hag when reflecting on the progress he has made in Amsterdam. He won four trophies and earned his Argentina debut under the Dutchman, highlighting how big an impact the United boss has had on his career so far.
"I am so proud of what I have achieved at Ajax and under Ten Hag," said Martinez, as quoted by the Express. "I grew as a player and became an Argentinian international thanks to my development at Ajax.
"And I even got to wear the captaincy armband for my country. That was the day my father cried, it was very emotional. My mum cried too, my uncles, aunties, cousins, everyone.
"The World Cup is definitely my goal. We have great players and we must all be ready for it. We won the Copa America together and can do it again."
Should United win the race for Martinez's signature this summer, he will bring a wealth of qualities to Old Trafford, not least his versatility. However, detailing what he would specifically add to Ten Hag's squad, he has placed an emphasis on his all-action, no-nonsense approach.
Martinez added: "Yes, I am called the Canisero - the Butcher of Amsterdam. We Argentines do everything with passion - and when I go out on the pitch I fight for every ball.
"If I have to step over dead bodies I do it. I want to win every 50-50 situation because I know that I am fighting for food for every member of my family and for my friends.
"That is the feeling I have - and every Argentinian has. It is the kind of motivation I cannot explain."
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