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Manchester United fans will be even more excited for the pending arrival of Lisandro Martinez after seeing how he performed against Erling Haaland and Darwin Nunez.
Having wrapped up their first signing of the summer in Tyrell Malacia, widespread reports claim a deal is close for 24-year-old Martinez.
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As per James Ducker from The Telegraph, United failed with bids of £38.5 million and £43 million - with Ajax looking for £50 million.
#mufc figures have travelled from Barcelona to Amsterdam to close a deal worth up to £46million, including add-ons for Lisandro Martínez. [@AlexCTurk]
— The United Stand (@UnitedStandMUFC) July 13, 2022
But they have now accepted defeat and a £46 million transfer is said to be nearing closer. United had been keen on Jurrien Timber, Martinez's regular partner at the back, but Erik ten Hag is bringing in the Argentina international from his former club instead.
Standing at just 5ft 9, Martinez is deemed rather small to play at centre-back - especially in the demanding Premier League where there are so many physical strikers.
But United supporters have reason to be encouraged given the way he dealt with the two big money striker recruits from Manchester City and Liverpool.
On 19 October last year, Ajax came up against Haaland and Dortmund in the Champions League group stage and absolutely blitzed the Bundesliga outfit 4-0.
Haaland had destroyed so many teams and always seemed to find the net in the Champions League. But on this occasion he was easily nullified by Martinez, who was fearless and aggressive in the duels and didn't give him a sniff of goal.
His reading the game was on point and with a cultured left foot, he displayed an impressive range of short and long passing to get Ajax playing.
It's easy to see why he is capable of slotting into defensive midfield if needed.
Fans in the comments of the YouTube video liked what they saw and there were glowing reviews of Martinez's display.
One wrote: "The defense beast who United is looking for. Last season United suffered so many counter attacks. Martinez can play a key role in defense for United."
Another added: Watching this video after watching an entire season of Maguire running around like a headless chicken is so refreshing. Hopefully United sign him!"
A third said: "Don't underestimate Martinez because of his height. You guys have the clear case of Maguire. In Argentina we know that he is a young prodigy along with Senesi and Romero. He is a very positional and intelligent player. He hasn't shown anything he can do yet."
But Nunez, who has joined Liverpool for a club-record £85 million switch, also suffered the same fate.
Playing away at Benfica in February this year, Martinez frustrated the Uruguayan striker to the point that he lashed out at him in the second half.
Despite his size, he was aerially dominant against Nunez and bested him on the floor when the former Almeria man tried to get past him with skill and pace.
His positional sense was top notch and allowed him to make key interceptions.
Whereas the likes of Harry Maguire have struggled when pulled out in 1v1 situations, Martinez thrives and his strong mentality is another trait likely to endear him further to United fans.
Martinez has also been linked to Arsenal and has told Ajax of his desire to play in the Premier League.
Featured Image Credit: Image: YouTube
Topics: Lisandro Martinez, Ajax, Manchester United, Darwin Nunez
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