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Manchester Evening News
Manchester Evening News
Sport
Richard Fay

Three ways Manchester United could line up as Lisandro Martinez arrival officially confirmed

Manchester United have officially confirmed the signing of Lisandro Martinez after the Argentina international completed a medical and agreed personal terms at Old Trafford.

Erik ten Hag is keen to pursue targets familiar to him, with United having already signed Feyenoord full-back Tyrell Malacia, while they continue to chase former Ajax ace Frenkie de Jong.

Christian Eriksen's signing made him the second new arrival of the Ten Hag era, and Martinez has now become the third new United recruit. The deal for the defender could reach as much as £55.3million.

READ MORE: Manchester United to play behind-closed-doors friendly this week

Here are three ways United could utilise the former Ajax man.

Martinez in central defence

The most obvious role for Martinez next season would be as part of a defensive partnership with either Harry Maguire or Raphael Varane.

In an ideal world, it would be alongside Varane, but given his worrying injury record, it might be more likely that we see him play alongside the club captain.

One of the reasons Ten Hag was so keen on a move for Martinez is because he is left-footed and has a great passing range to help them play out from the back, so it makes sense to stick him in the squad as the left-sided central defender.

Martinez at full-back

Versatility is a big advantage for Martinez and he also has the possibility of filling in at left-back if required, though that seems a rather unlikely outcome following Malacia's arrival.

However, as Alvaro Fernandez prepares to leave on loan and with Alex Telles potentially being sold, Martinez could still get the occasional appearance there.

It is more likely those minutes would come as part of a tactical switch during a match rather than being chosen to play there from the start, but it is certainly a good trait to have.

Martinez in defensive midfield

Perhaps the most exciting possibility is Martinez being able to address United's need for a defensive midfielder this summer, having gained some valuable experience playing there under Ten Hag at Ajax.

The 24-year-old is by no means the established midfield anchor that many supporters are hoping for, but he could certainly do a job there if nobody else is recruited.

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