What Erik ten Hag, Rio Ferdinand and Jaap Stam said about Man United target Lisandro Martinez

Lisandro Martinez is set to become Erik ten Hag’s third signing as Manchester United boss.

The Argentine will arrive from Ajax for around £46m as the new Old Trafford boss continues to reinforce his defensive options. His imminent signing follows the arrivals of Tyrell Malacia and Christian Eriksen.

Martinez was a key player for Ten Hag in the Netherlands last season as they stormed to the Eredivisie title. A lot has been said about the versatile defender, and it’s overwhelmingly positive.

READ MORE:Lisandro Martinez flies in to finalise Manchester United transfer

Jaap Stam in June

"What's important is that a defender has cleverness. Quickly read where the ball goes, a little nudge or push. Martinez has also developed that.

"Martinez is very skilled and creative in his passing. And because Martinez is comfortable on the ball, he can also play as a defensive midfielder.”

Rio Ferdinand this week

"I think he's a good signing. The more I have looked into him, the better.

"I listened to [Jurrien] Timber and he said that 'I wasn't at my game at a certain point and Martinez always shouts at me' - so he's got that element of being a leader.

“He is very aggressive, physical and can play. His question marks are his height and his pace - they are the only two."

Dutch football expert Marcel van der Kraan last month

“Martinez will have his hopes pinned on United, who are an absolute top club for him.”

Erik ten Hag in 2021

"He is an example of what my statement about more than eleven basic players is based on. He can play left-back, left central defender and left controlling midfielder.

"He has good technique, overview on the ball, duelling power, but he has less walking ability, for example.”

Lisandro Martinez himself on multiple