Manchester United Signs Lisandro Martinez
Manchester United makes Lisandro Martinez there third signing. The Argentine player joins United after having close contact with Coach Erik Ten Hag. However Manchester United have agreed a deal worth up to £57m for Ajax defender Lisandro Martinez, who is set to sign a five-year contract at Old Trafford.
United will pay a guaranteed €57m (£48.5m) for the Argentina international defender. Furthermore, with an additional €10m (£8.5m) in add-ons agreed between the two clubs. The move will see Martinez link up again with former Ajax manager Erik Ten Hag. Who signed him for the club in 2019, at Old Trafford.
Arsenal were also interested in the Argentina international but conceded defeat in their pursuit. While the Gunners’ playing style, along with the prospect of playing for Mikel Arteta, appealed to Martinez. However, he chose to move to Old Trafford.
Manchester United: Lisandro Martinez Analysis
Skysports Writer Nick Wright Analyses what Martinez offers
“Last season, Martinez averaged more passes per 90 minutes than any other Eredivisie player, while only two players directed more passes forward per 90 minutes.
“Those numbers underline Martinez’s ability to play through opposition lines but he is similarly adept at switching the play and picking out team-mates over longer distances. At Ajax last season, no player averaged more successful long passes per 90 minutes.
“Voted Ajax’s player of the year for his role in their Eredivisie title triumph last season, Martinez stands at just 5ft 9ins, making him small for a centre-back.
“Last season at Ajax, he made more headed clearances (29) than any other player and won 79 of his 112 aerial duels. Nonetheless, giving him a success rate of 71 per cent and putting him second only to Harry Maguire among Manchester United and Arsenal’s current centre-backs.
“Martinez can expect to face more exacting opponents in the Premier League. Of course, but he is also have a sound reading of the game. He likes anticipating strikers’ runs. Also positioning himself smartly to make tackles and interceptions.
“Those qualities, coupled with his versatility and technical prowess. However, make him all the more alluring to Premier League suitors.”
Martinez makes it United’s third signing after Tyrell Malacia and Christian Eriksen.
