Erik ten Hag dismisses concerns about Lisandro Martinez’s height ahead of Manchester United transfer

Erik ten Hag has dismissed concerns about Lisandro Martinez’s height by insisting the 5ft9 Argentine is ‘quite good in the air’.

The Red Devils confirmed a £57million agreement to sign the Argentina international on Sunday, with Ajax making a huge profit on the 24-year-old they signed for just £8m two years ago.

Martinez played as a defensive midfielder and a left-back under Ten Hag in Amsterdam, but he was primiarly used as a left-sided centre-back.

The defender is comfortable in possession, has an eye for a pass and can drive out of defence with the ball.

However, there are concerns about his lack of height, with many feeling the 5ft9 Argentine may struggle in the air in the Premier League.

But Ten Hag says he’s ‘comfortable’ with Martinez’s heading ability and that ‘timing’ is more important.

‘I think he’s not the tallest but he is quite good in the air,’ said Ten Hag.

‘I feel comfortable with that. Of course, you need the right balance. ‘He has good timing, that’s one of his capabilities.

‘I think the players who are there, we have the perspective immediately to contribute and also Martinez. We bring him in to not strengthen the squad, but the team.’

Ten Hag’s appointment was announced towards the end of last season, which gave the Dutchman an opportunity to analyse his new side.

He was present at the side’s final day defeat to Crystal Palace at Selhurst Park and he’s had time to judge his new players for himself during pre-season.

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