Why Lisandro Martinez's biggest 'weakness' shouldn't be a concern to Manchester United at all

Incoming Manchester United defender Lisandro Martinez is set to become the shortest centre-back in the Premier League ahead of finalising his move to Old Trafford.

It was announced on Sunday that United, who face Crystal Palace in their third pre-season friendly of the summer on Tuesday, have reached an agreement with Ajax to sign the 24-year-old, subject to him passing a medical, finalising personal terms and sorting out a UK visa. He will become the club's third signing of the summer following the arrivals of Tyrell Malacia and Christian Eriksen.

Signing a centre-back has been one of United's leading priorities this summer and Martinez is a player that manager Erik ten Hag knows well from his time in charge of Ajax. The Argentine is also highly versatile, capable of playing at left-back and in defensive midfield alongside his preferred position as a centre-back.

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It is at centre-back where United see Martinez operating, with the left-footed ball-player set to compete with the likes of Harry Maguire, Victor Lindelof and Raphael Varane for a regular starting berth. The Argentine won Ajax's Player of the Year award last season, meaning he will not be coming to Old Trafford just to warm the bench.

He will expect to be a regular starter and will want to help United eradicate their recent defensive woes. However, Martinez will arrive at Old Trafford and immediately become the club's shortest central defender at just 175cm [5'9"].

That means he will become the smallest centre-back in the Premier League, five centimetres shorter than his nearest rival in that particular category, Manchester City's Nathan Ake. By comparison,