Lisandro Martinez will be Man Utd’s third signing of the summer just after contract worth £46.5 million ($53 million) was completed with Ajax, allowing the Argentina international to reconnect with his former manager Erik ten Hag at Old Trafford.
After Lisandro Martinez’s teammate Jurrien Timber decided to remain with the Dutch champions, Martinez became Man Utd’s top defensive target.
Man Utd beat Arsenal to the 24-year-old after Mikel Arteta seemed to be winning the fight for his signing.
Lisandro Martinez, however, made it plain that he wanted a move to the Theatre of Dreams once Ten Hag indicated his interest in the position.
Related: Lisandro Martinez: Man United Agree £46.5m Deal For Ajax’s Defender
Here are some reasons why Lisandro Martinez was so important to United, as well as what players like Raphael Varane and Harry Maguire can expect as a result of his signing.
Is He Required By Man Utd?
On the surface, a center-back didn’t appear to be a priority, given the variety of choices Ten Hag inherited. Ole Gunnar Solskjaer, Jose Mourinho, and Sir Alex Ferguson all signed central defenders for the team.
Nevertheless, the new manager was very clear that he wants to reinforce the center of his defense when he met with football director John Murtough in May in Amsterdam.
Other options included Timber and Pau Torres of Villarreal.
Is There Any Height Advantage?
Martinez, at just under 5 feet 9 inches (1.75 metres), is not your usual center-back, but he is not alone in his modest stature.
Franco Baresi and Fabio Cannavaro, two legendary Italians, were about the same height, while Javier Mascherano, another star of Barcelona, was even shorter.
These three central defenders are among the best to ever play the position; if Martinez proves to be even nearly as good as them, Man Utd won’t have any complaints.
An agreement has been reached for the transfer of Lisandro Martinez 🔴🇦🇷#MUFC || @LisandrMartinez
— Manchester United (@ManUtd) July 17, 2022
What Are Martinez Strengths?
Lisandro Martinez is still strong in the air given his height, but his major assets are his energy in the challenge, as well as his technical skill on the ground, which will allow United to play out from the back.
Ten Hag’s objectives will include patient build-up from defense, and his transfers strategy this summer will seek to recruit people who fit into his style.
What Impact Does It Have On Varane And Maguire?
Maguire has been told that he will stay captain, therefore it is reasonable to anticipate that he will continue to play an important role.
However, with Lisandro Martinez’s arrival, he might finally switch to the right side of the defense, which would improve Man Utd’s balance because that is the English international’s better side.
With Victor Lindelof on the left against Melbourne Victory, Maguire played on the right, which indicated at Ten Hag’s intentions for him.
Where that leaves Varane, who struggled in his debut campaign at Old Trafford, is unclear.
If Ten Hag decides to switch up his strategy, Maguire might also play in the midst of a three.
Meanwhile, Lindelof appears to be on the mend and has no interest in selling the Swede.
What Happens To The Other Defenders?
For Eric Bailly, Phil Jones, and Axel Tuanzebe, Man Utd are accepting offers.
While on tour, Bailly had some remarkable performances, including two goals in two games that he assisted on. However, there are also instances of his inconsistent defending, which continues to be a part of his style.
It is believed that he wants to remain and defend his position.
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