Erik ten Hag has explained why Lisandro Martinez won't play in midfield for Manchester United

On multiple fronts, Lisandro Martinez looks to be a shrewd signing for Manchester United.

Though it's impossible to predict just how well he'll settle in to life in England and adapt to Premier League football, all the early indicators suggest Erik ten Hag has significantly bolstered United's defensive options with the signing. Martinez is left-footed so should bring balance to the back-line, is typically good on the ball after three years at Ajax but also has ample physicality.

Ten Hag couldn't praise the player enough. He told United's in-house media: "He’s a warrior and I think the fans will admire him. He has an attitude, fighting spirit. He brings aggressiveness in the game, in a good way. I think we need that. But also, he’s also skilful and he can deal with the ball and he’s left-footed.”

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Another aspect of Martinez's game that has been touted as a great bonus for United is his versatility. The Argentine played 118 times for Ajax and though the vast majority of those appearances came at centre-back he did play 22 times in midfield and a further eight games at full-back.

Martinez himself previously talked up his ability to play in multiple positions and said he would be willing to play wherever asked of him. Speaking to Argentinian newspaper Ole last year, he said: "I'm not closed to anything.

"The day I get to play central midfielder, I'll do it again. If that helps the team, I'm going to do it. The same as from the side (full-back). I consider myself a versatile player who is always predisposed to give the best beyond the position."

As a result, there's been a lot of discussion as to whether the 24-year-old could find himself in midfield at Old Trafford. Despite Ten Hag