Lisandro Martinez will be Manchester United’s third summer signing after a £46.5 million ($53 million) deal with Ajax was agreed, allowing the Argentina international to reunite with his former manager Erik ten Hag at Old Trafford.
Martinez took over as United’s top defensive target after Jurrien Timber chose to stay with the Dutch champions.
After Mikel Arteta appeared to be leading the race for the 24-year-signature, old’s United saw off competition from Arsenal.
However, once Ten Hag confirmed his interest, Martinez made it clear that he preferred a move to the Theatre of Dreams.
Here’s why United were so keen to sign him, as well as what his arrival means for players like Harry Maguire and Raphael Varane.
Do United need him?
On the face of it, a centre-back didn’t look like a priority, considering the number of options inherited by Ten Hag. There are central defenders at the club who were signed by Sir Alex Ferguson, Jose Mourinho and Ole Gunnar Solskjaer.
But the new manager made it clear he wanted to strengthen the heart of his defence during a transfer summit with football director John Murtough in Amsterdam in May.
Villarreal’s Pau Torres and Timber were other options considered.
Is he too short?
At just under 5 foot 9 inches tall (1.75 metres), Martinez is certainly not your typical centre-back – but he is in good company in terms of his diminutive stature.
Legendary Italians Franco Baresi and Fabio Cannavaro were both around the same height, while countryman and Barcelona legend, Javier Mascherano, was even shorter.
That trio represent some of the best centre-backs to ever play the game – and if Martinez turns out to be anywhere near as effective as them, there will be no complaints from United.
What are his strengths?
Despite his height, Martinez is still effective in the air – but his real strengths are his aggression in the challenge, while he is also technically gifted on the ground, which will enable United to play out from the back.
Patient build up from defence is going to be a key part of Ten Hag’s plans, and his transfer strategy this summer is to recruit players to fit into his system.
The Ten Hag effect
Arsenal thought they led the way for the 24-year-old – but Martinez made it clear his preferred move was to Old Trafford as soon as United formalised their interest.
While the pull of United may still be strong – despite their lack of success post-Ferguson – it was Martinez’s connection with Ten Hag that proved the biggest draw.
And why not? He’s already seen precisely what the new manager can do – winning two Eredivisie titles and the Dutch cup with him at Ajax.
What else can he do?
Ten Hag wants Martinez to play at centre-back – and that is the main reason why he has signed him. But his versatility cannot be ignored – and could also be a boost at a time when United are aiming to operate with a leaner squad.
He can also play left-back, as well as defensive midfield.
More smart work in the transfer market
United were patient in their pursuit of Martinez and let Arsenal make the early running.
Much like with the signing of Tyrell Malacia, United waited to see what sort of money it would take to land him before firming up their interest.
They matched Arsenal’s bid of around £41m ($49m) before eventually reaching agreement over a £46.5m deal.
Chief executive, Richard Arnold, and Murtough were also important in getting the deal over the line – travelling to Amsterdam for talks after agreeing a fee for another target, Frenkie de Jong, during a meeting in Barcelona days earlier.
How does it affect Maguire and Varane?
Maguire has been assured he will remain as captain, so it is fair to assume he will remain a key figure.
But Martinez’ arrival could finally see him move over to the right of defence, which would improve United’s balance, given that is the England international’s stronger side.
Maguire played on the right against Melbourne Victory, with Victor Lindelof on the left, which was a pointer to Ten Hag’s plans for him.
It is not clear where that leaves Varane, who was underwhelming in his first season at Old Trafford.
There is also the possibility of Maguire playing in the middle of a three if Ten Hag opts for a change of system.
Lindelof, meanwhile, looks set to be back up, with no plans to sell the Swede.
What happens to the rest?
United are open to offers for Eric Bailly, Phil Jones and Axel Tuanzebe.
Bailly has been involved on tour and had some stand-out moments – including setting up two goals in two games. But there have also examples of the erratic defending that remains a feature of his game.
It is understood he wants to stay and fight for his place.
