Lisandro Martinez 'excited' by Man Utd's transfers
Manchester United defender Lisandro Martinez is pleased to welcome Matthijs de Ligt and Noussair Mazraoui from Bayern Munich, both finalising their moves on Tuesday.
The Argentinian began his playing career at Newell's Old Boys, but only made one appearance for the club.
The plaudits he earned in Argentina earned him a move to prestigious European club Ajax, where he would first meet Erik ten Hag. Martinez enjoyed a very successful spell with Ajax which earned him a £47million transfer to Manchester United.
Martinez has also seen success on the international stage in his short career. He contributed to Argentina's success in the 2021 Copa America, playing alongside fellow Newells' native and seven-time Ballon d'Or winner Lionel Messi.
As it is for all players who move continents, Martinez transfer to Ajax was a journey into the unknown. But not for the Dutch giants who had followed his career in-depth for two years.
As well as the 2021 KNVB Cup, the Argentine won the Eredivisie twice. He was a part of a meagre defence that conceded only 23 goals in 34 games in the 2020/21 season.
The appointment of Ten Hag at Manchester United had many speculating there would be a reunion with Martinez.
The Old Trafford club eventually forked out £47m, plus £8.5 million in add-ons in July 2022 to bring Martinez to Manchester, as Ten Hag raided his old side for star names. Fellow Ajax alumni Anthony moved to United in August.
Ten Hag referred to Martinez as a warrior with fighting spirit who would bring a good form of aggressiveness to Manchester United's football. The manager also believes that Martinez will restore pride and bring a connection to fans that has been lacking.
🔥 Feel the fire.
— Manchester United (@ManUtd) July 27, 2022
🔴 @LisandrMartinez is ready to bring the heat to United.#MUFC
Martinez is not the archetype of a British centre-half. His 5ft 9in stature has led to many comments and criticism in his time at the club.
Brighton player Adam Lallana admitted that they had planned to target Martinez aerially. Many pundits believed other sides would follow this tactic.
However, the defender started to overcome the doubters at Old Trafford as the club managed to deliver an upturn in form with four straight wins.
Martinez has already gone toe-to-toe with even the most physical Premier League strikers, living up to the nickname 'The Butcher' which he gained at Ajax.
Martinez's net worth is believed to be around £31million, and he is reportedly on around £120,000 a week salary.
Manchester United defender Lisandro Martinez is pleased to welcome Matthijs de Ligt and Noussair Mazraoui from Bayern Munich, both finalising their moves on Tuesday.
Manchester City are chasing a domestic double and a second consecutive FA Cup final win over neighbours Manchester United at Wembley on Saturday (1500 BST).
Lisandro Martinez is set to return to the Manchester United squad when under-fire Erik ten Hag's side take on Newcastle.
Erik ten Hag has commended the influence of Lisandro Martinez during Manchester United training sessions, hinting at his potential involvement at Carrington this week.
Erik Ten Hag is confident Manchester United's encouraging run will not be derailed by Lisandro Martinez's knee injury.
Manchester United defender Lisandro Martinez is facing at least eight weeks out with ligament damage in his right knee.
Manchester United will be without Lisandro Martinez for around two months, after the defender aggravated a foot injury.