Man United Preparing Offer for Another Ajax Defender Lisandro Martinez

Lisandro Martinez, Manchester United, Arsenal

As per reports in Holland, Manchester United are preparing an offer for Ajax defender Lisandro Martinez. The Red Devils were initially looking to sign Jurrien Timber from the Eredivisie Champions to improve their faulty defence, but the defender rebuffed the move.

Erik ten Hag planned on bringing the Dutch centre-back to the Old Trafford this summer. However, Timber changed his decision when he got to know that a move to United might dent his chances to play in the World Cup. This has led to Manchester United changing their focus toward Lisandro Martinez.

The Argentinian defender has received a lot of plaudits on his performances for Ajax in the past few years. He played 37 games for the Dutch side this season and kept 22 clean sheets across all competitions. Moreover, Martinez has played under Ten Hag for most of his senior career and could fast forward the manager’s job in England.

Lisandro Martinez, Ajax, Manchester United — Image obtained via SPORTbible

Club captain Harry Maguire has been heavily criticised for his poor performances this season. Signing a centre-back remains a priority for Manchester United, given the need to reinforce their backline while they also try to find a way out for Eric Bailly and Phil Jones.

According to De Telegraf reporter Mike Verweij (via Metro), Manchester United are readying an offer for Ajax’s versatile defender Lisandro Martinez. The Red Devils are looking to submit an opening proposal for the 24-year-old, who is also a target for Arsenal.

Erik ten Hag has worked with the player for three years. The Argentine would fit the playing style the Dutch manager wants to impose at Old Trafford. He has already displayed splendid performances under Ten Hag and could be a sure-shot success at United. The defender could slot in at left-back and defensive midfield positions as the club need reinforcements in those positions too.

Just seen the new breaking report from the reliable Mike Verweij that "Man Utd are preparing an offer for Lisandro Martínez".

My manager is not letting go. He wants a CB he trusts from Ajax and it's either Timber or Martinez.

Get it done, @ManUtd pic.twitter.com/hBqC7YQxkd

— UF (@UtdFaithfuls) June 20, 2022

Meanwhile, United are also involved in advanced talks with Ajax regarding their Brazilian winger Antony. However, as reported by the Mirror, the Dutch champions will only allow any one of the players – Martinez or Antony – to leave this summer and Ten Hag will have choose between the two.

Is Lisandro Martinez A Better Option For Manchester United Than Jurrien Timber?

Manchester United have not had a technical defender in a very long time. In addition, a technical defender who is left-footed is a rare find for the Red Devils. The 24-year-old has both those aspects and could help Ten Hag’s playing style at United. Having a left-footed centre-back in the lineup gives more passing options while building from the back.

Lisandro Martinez was named as the Player of the Season for Ajax last season. This shows how important he was for the Dutch club throughout the season. Although Timber is also an important part of the Ajax backline, Martinez is a much more mature version of the Dutch. The Argentine also looks ready to play in the fast-paced Premier League.

Lisandro Martinez, the best ball playing CB in Europe

Get it done, @ManUtd.. https://t.co/B1e7SJOPwc

— Frank🧠🇳🇱 (fan) (@TenHagEra) June 20, 2022

However, many are doubting the Argentine because of his 5 feet 7 inches stature. There are rising concerns over how will he handle the Premier League-built strikers like Erling Haaland and Darwin Nunez. Nevertheless, Martinez uses his intelligence to place himself in a better position to intercept the ball.

On the other hand, the centre-back could be aided by his defensive partner to win the aerial duels, although the Argentine also puts his all to win the ball mid-air. His ability on the ball is the best part about the player. The Argentinian defender can control the tempo of the game with his play-making skills.

He has completed far more long balls in the Eredivisie than Jurien Timber. This might give United a fresh feel about their game-play, very opposite to what they have been playing in the past. United’s defenders have struggled to build from the back and Martinez’s arrival could change a lot of those things.

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