Three ways Manchester United could line up with Lisandro Martinez transfer

Manchester United have submitted a bid for Ajax defender Lisandro Martinez as part of their summer rebuild under new manager Erik ten Hag.

The Dutchman is looking to pursue targets familiar to him, with United having already agreed a move for Feyenoord full-back Tyrell Malacia and former Ajax ace Frenkie de Jong.

Next up is Martinez with United having offered £37million to sign the Argentine this summer as they look to solidify their backline ahead of the new season. Martinez is predominantly a centre-back, but that is not the only position he can play.

Here are three ways United could utilise the defender if they sign him this summer:

The most obvious role for Martinez next season would be as part of a defensive partnership with either Harry Maguire or Raphael Varane.

In an ideal world, it would be alongside Varane, but given his worrying injury record, it might be more likely that we see him play alongside the current club captain.

Ten Hag is keen on a move for Martinez because he is left-footed and has a great passing range to help them play out from the back, so it makes sense to stick him in the squad as the left-sided central defender.

Versatility is a big advantage for Martinez and he also has the possibility of filling in at left-back if required, though that seems a rather unlikely outcome amid the impending move for Tyrell Malacia.

Martinez could be viewed as the third-choice left-back if Alvaro Fernandez leaves on loan this summer and Alex Telles is sold, so he could still get the occasional appearance there.

It is more likely those minutes would come as part of a tactical switch during a match rather than being chosen to play there from the start, but it is certainly a good trait to have.

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