Man Utd power struggle involving Lisandro Martinez speaks volumes for Erik ten Hag

One of the biggest challenges facing Erik ten Hag at Manchester United was persuading the club's hierarchy to listen to his transfer advice.

Yet it appears the Dutchman has plenty of power at Old Trafford already. On Sunday, the Red Devils announced they've agreed a £55.3million deal with Ajax for defender Lisandro Martinez... despite the recruitment department advising chiefs to sign a different defender.

The Argentina international, 24, has agreed a five-year deal at United worth £120,000-a-week. He is Ten Hag's third signing since he started his new job in May after defender Tyrell Malacia from Feyenoord and former Brentford playmaker Christian Eriksen.

According to The Telegraph, United's recruitment department wanted the board to sign Villarreal defender Pau Torres. The 25-year-old centre-back has been linked with the Red Devils for some time and boasts an impressive CV, making 102 La Liga outings to date.

The Spaniard has won 19 senior caps at international level and was part of the squad that reached the final of last summer's Olympics and the Nations League in 2021. Torres helped Villarreal defeat United on penalties in the Europa League final 14 months ago.

Despite this, Ten Hag insisted United signed Martinez instead. He is Ajax's reigning Player of the Year and has made 120 appearances for the club since joining in the summer of 2019. He's won four trophies during that time - including two Eredivisie titles.

Martinez has also been capped seven times by Argentina, helping them win the Copa America and Finalissima - a one-off game against the champions of South America and Europe - since his debut. It's an impressive record, one that Ten Hag has helped to create.

Ten Hag made his feelings known to the