Lisandro Martinez is known in Holland as ‘The Butcher of Amsterdam’ - and Ajax’s Premier League-bound defender loves to live up to his nickname.
The ruthless Argentine international, who is at the centre of a £43million battle between Manchester United and Arsenal, was hewn from the toughest of upbringings. Mum Silvia was a road worker, who laid tarmac on the highways of the family’s hometown of Gualeguay – and still loves to play football. Dad Raul was a cleaner, who also grafted long hours to put food on the table.
So, while Martinez may only measure up at 5ft 9in, he was used by Erik ten Hag as the man who added steel to his silky Ajax team. Now, Ten Hag wants him to do the same at Old Trafford – and the 24-year-old will be up to the task.
