‘Are you sure?’ – Man Utd questioned Erik ten Hag over key signing

A former Old Trafford coach has revealed Manchester United questioned Erik ten Hag’s decision to sign Lisandro Martinez.

Argentina defender Martinez completed a £57m move to United in July 2022, sealing a reunion with Ten Hag following the time they spent together at Ajax.

Martinez featured heavily under Ten Hag in Holland after being brought over from Argentina in 2019.

While Martinez helped Ajax win two Eredivisie titles and had become a regular for the Argentina national team, many pundits questioned United’s decision to bring him to Old Trafford and were concerned the diminutive centre-back would get exposed in the Premier League.

Ten Hag’s former assistant Steve McClaren has suggested figures inside the club were also sceptical about Martinez’s ability to thrive in the English top-flight.

Asked about Ten Hag’s tendency to sign his former players, McClaren told the Daily Telegraph: ‘First, [the players know] the way he wanted to play.

‘Two, the players that were available. Three, knowing he didn’t have a lot of time at United to get things going.

‘[Lisandro] Martinez at the beginning, [it was a case of] are you sure? Yes, he [Ten Hag] was. Because he [Martinez] knows the way Erik wants to play.

‘I have done the same as a manager. Going into a club trying to instil something, I always wanted two or three I have worked with previously.

‘You need followers and people who believe in what you are doing. There is a list of five [potential signings] and you pick the one that you know.’

Martinez struggled on his Premier League debut in a 2-1 defeat to Brighton at the start of the 2022-23 season but has since developed into a key member of United’s squad.

The 26-year-old made 45 appearances in his first season at Old Trafford before struggling with injuries last term.

Back fit, Martinez has featured in seven of Manchester United’s eight games so far this season, including the 1-1 Europa League draw with Twente on Wednesday night.

McClaren, who worked under Sir Alex Ferguson during his first spell at United, left the club last month to become head coach of the Jamaica national team.

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