Manchester United

Manchester United

Premier League • England

Lisandro Martinez receives Jaap Stam praise amid Man Utd discussions, but price tag questioned

Lisandro Martinez, Ajax May 2022

Jaap Stam says he is ‘a fan’ of potential Manchester United signing Lisandro Martinez, although the pundit has a slight concern about his price tag.

According to a recent report from the Daily Mail, Manchester United have made a third bid for Martinez. It comes in at £43million, which could finally tempt Ajax into selling.

Both Manchester United and Arsenal have sent offers to Ajax previously. But the Dutch club didn’t accept those proposals as they are under no pressure to let one of their star players go.

Erik ten Hag’s side have now put an extra £5m on the table, as part of the new £43m offer, and that could see the transfer race conclude.

Ten Hag wants to reunite with Martinez at Old Trafford as he trusts the centre-back. They had a successful time at Ajax together and may continue their good relationship in the Premier League.

Arsenal are still in the mix, as per Fabrizio Romano, but Martinez is now closer than ever to joining the Red Devils.

Stam, who played for United between 1998 and 2001, has given his verdict on the Argentine defender.

He admits to being ‘a fan’ of Martinez, although United could end up paying extra on him due to the Prem’s obvious wealth.

Lisandro Martinez value comes into question

“Whether Martinez is worth €50m, that is difficult to say. This kind of money has become normal. Especially in England,” Stam said (via Sport Witness).

“I have become a fan of his. I think he’s a fantastic guy, with a good temperament and a winning mentality. For trainers, those are great players to work with.”

Stam then gave an insight into Ten Hag’s tactics and how Martinez could be used by the coach.

United favourites to sign Martinez

United favourites to sign Martinez

Arsenal and Manchester United are battling it out to sign highly rated Ajax defender Lisandro Martinez; his relationship with Erik Ten Hag could be a determining factor.

“You can clearly see that Ten Hag’s approach is to dominate matches and control the opponent’s half,” the former defender added.

“Then you play with a lot of space in the back and you need players who are reasonably fast and not afraid to cover. [Tyrell] Malacia has that and Martinez certainly.

“Back in the day, defenders in England couldn’t be big enough. Two metres was good, also to be able to head away a lot of balls.

“Now most clubs and coaches want to play football. That doesn’t mean you don’t have to defend.

Stam praises Martinez’s defensive intelligence

“There are many fast attackers who are merciless on the counter. Therefore, what’s important is that a defender has cleverness.

“Quickly read where the ball goes, a little nudge or push. Then you don’t even have to get into duels. Martinez has also developed that.

“Martinez is very skilled and creative in his passing. The more he has such players, the more Ten Hag can keep the ball and the less he encounters counters.

“What is also important for this, certainly in the strongest competition in the world, is communication, and therefore who he will be linked to at the heart of the defence.

“And because Martinez is comfortable on the ball, he can also play as a defensive midfielder. I do not rule out the possibility that Ten Hag will use him there.”

Lisandro Martinez is certainly an unconventional centre-back, given the fact he is less than 5ft 8in tall.

But the 24-year-old is confident in is own ability and is aiming to follow in the footsteps of Ballon d’Or winner Fabio Cannavaro.

Meanwhile, Frenkie de Jong has reportedly made a decision on his future, with United hoping to sign him from Barcelona.