Erik ten Hag explains what Lisandro Martinez will bring to Manchester United

Erik ten Hag believes Lisandro Martinez will bring a unique set of skills to Manchester United after arriving in the summer transfer window.

United completed the signing of Martinez on a five-year deal, plus an extra optional year, last month after agreeing a fee of £46.8million with Ajax.

The 24-year-old made his unofficial debut for the club in their final pre-season fixture against Rayo Vallecano a week ago and he could feature for United in their pre-season opener against Brighton on Sunday. Ten Hag was eager to reunite with the Argentine — whom he coached at Ajax — with the Dutchman keen to have a different profile of centre-back at his disposal heading into the new season.

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Asked why it was so important to have a left-footed player in the heart of his defence, Ten Hag replied: "Because left-footers are better oriented on the left side.

"In possession, you get better angles, but out of possession also, because the orientation is better, and it is easier and more comfortable to go out, for instance to cover the full-back."

Speaking at his pre-match press conference on Friday, Ten Hag also confirmed that Martinez and fellow summer signing Christian Eriksen are both in contention to start this weekend.

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