Manchester United are looking to secure one of Erik ten Hag’s finest Ajax players in Lisandro Martinez because of the different type of player profile he offers.
Lisandro Martinez has emerged as a solid defensive target for Manchester United in the last week or so, with the first solid links between the player and club surfacing just over two weeks ago.
One key reason why Manchester United are targeting Martinez is due to the breakdown of negotiations for Jurrien Timber, which was mainly due to former United manager Louis van Gaal warning Timber that if he transferred to the club and did not play, he would likely be dropped from the Netherlands’ World Cup squad.
Timber had been a target for Erik ten Hag since the beginning of the transfer window as he sees a bright future for the 21-year-old, however the move will not be happening this window barring a complete U-turn from one party.
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This does not rule out a potential move for the player once again, but at the moment Manchester United are focused on current targets Frenkie de Jong and Lisandro Martinez.
Martinez has been linked heavily with Arsenal over the last few weeks, but after their third bid for the player was recently rejected, it is becoming increasingly likely that Arsenal will pull out of the race for the Argentine, leaving United with a clear path to his signature.
According to the Athletic, United believe they have edged Arsenal as the preferred destination of Martinez, and other reports claim the club are willing to ‘blow Arsenal out of the running’ with a much more attractive offer to Ajax for the player.
Manchester United reportedly want Martinez due to the unique profile he offers when compared to Harry Maguire, Victor Lindelof and Raphael Varane.
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Standing at 5ft 9 inches, Martinez is not a tall player in comparison to the others, however is excellent on the ball. He has comfortably played a range of different positions for Erik ten Hag’s Ajax over the last few seasons, working as a centre-back, right-back and filling in as a defensive midfielder when called upon as well.
Having an option such as him available will be crucial if Ten Hag wants to challenge for trophies on the Europa League, Carabao Cup and FA Cup front while maintaining a push for top four in the Premier League.
While United have been assessing and preparing a bid for Lisandro Martinez, they have also completed the signing of Tyrell Malacia from Feynoord, according to Fabrizio Romano.
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The club worked very swiftly to hijack the deal from Lyon and secure a deal for the player who will become the club’s first signing under Erik ten Hag.
A deal for Frenkie de Jong looks set to be completed soon, with the club wanting to finalise the deal in time for their flight to Bangkok on 8 July.
With both the deals for Malacia and De Jong progressing towards completion, this is reportedly increasing the chances of the club also signing Christian Eriksen, who will make his decision on a club soon but is encouraged with the recent transfer activity of Manchester United.
Manchester United have started their pre-season training in recent days, with Erik ten Hag starting his new era at the club with the players who did not travel for international matches after the club season finished – with most of the rest of the squad set to join them on Monday.
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The club then fly to Bangkok on 8 July to face Liverpool on the 12th, before heading to Australia to face Crystal Palace, Aston Villa and Melbourne Victory.
The tour will then conclude with two European matches, facing Atletico Madrid on 30 July in Oslo, Norway, before a fixture at Old Trafford the following day against Rayo Vallecano sees Manchester United finish their preparation for the 2022/23 Premier League season.
The club will face Brighton & Hove Albion on the opening weekend.
Featured Image Credit: AlamyTopics: Manchester United, Manchester United Transfer News & Rumours, Lisandro Martinez, Ajax, Erik Ten Hag, Transfers, Football
