Man Utd: £40m star 'among' Ten Hag's top targets' at Old Trafford

Manchester United have made Ajax defender Lisandro Martinez one of their “top targets”, according to journalist Pete O’Rourke.

The Red Devils conceded 57 goals in the Premier League last season and Erik ten Hag is clearly looking to improve his defensive options.

United brought in France international Raphael Varane 12 months ago, but not even his arrival could prevent United from enduring their worst defensive season for more than 40 years.

As a result, while Ten Hag is on the cusp of making Frenkie de Jong and Tyrell Malacia his first signings as United boss, he’s also targeting another of his former players.

According to The Athletic, Arsenal recently launched a second bid of £35m for Martinez, but talkSPORT believe that United are set to make a £40m bid of their own, with Ten Hag a ‘big admirer’ of the 24-year-old, who’s played more than 100 games across three seasons in Amsterdam.

Ten Hag brought Martinez to European football from Argentinian outfit Defensa y Justicia back in 2019 and is hoping to sign the defender for a second time.

He told GIVEMESPORT: “It does seem like he’s among their top targets, although they’re competing against Arsenal for Lisandro Martinez. Ten Hag is a big fan having worked with him at Ajax.”

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Unlike the majority of United’s defenders, Martinez enjoyed an exceptional season in Holland, with his WhoScored rating (7.60), the third-best in the Ajax squad.

The versatile defender, who can play at left-back and in midfield, made more clearances (2.8) and interceptions (1.9) than any of his teammates, while he was in the top two players for most blocks and tackles, making an impressive two every time he took to the pitch in