A former coach at Old Trafford has disclosed that Manchester United had doubts about Erik ten Hag’s choice to sign a defender.
Lisandro Martinez completed a £57 million transfer to United in July 2022, reuniting with Ten Hag after their time together at Ajax.
Martinez, who was brought from Argentina in 2019, played a key role under Ten Hag in the Netherlands.
Despite helping Ajax secure two Eredivisie titles and establishing himself as a regular in the Argentina national team, many commentators questioned whether United made the right decision, fearing the relatively short centre-back would struggle in the Premier League.
Steve McClaren, Ten Hag’s former assistant, indicated that some within the club were also uncertain about Martinez’s ability to succeed in English football.
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When asked about Ten Hag’s tendency to sign his former players, McClaren told the Daily Telegraph: ‘First, [the players know] the way he wanted to play.
‘Two, the players that were available. Three, knowing he didn’t have a lot of time at United to get things going.
‘[Lisandro] Martinez at the beginning, [it was a case of] are you sure? Yes, he [Ten Hag] was. Because he [Martinez] knows the way Erik wants to play.
‘I have done the same as a manager. Going into a club trying to instil something, I always wanted two or three I have worked with previously.
‘You need followers and people who believe in what you are doing. There is a list of five [potential signings] and you pick the one that you know.’
Martinez had a tough start in the Premier League, debuting in a 2-1 loss to Brighton at the beginning of the 2022-23 season, but has since become an important player for Manchester United.
The 26-year-old played in 45 matches during his first season at Old Trafford but faced injury problems in the following campaign.
Now fully recovered, Martinez has appeared in seven of United’s eight games this season, including the 1-1 Europa League tie against Twente on Wednesday night.
Steve McClaren, who previously worked under Sir Alex Ferguson, departed the club last month to take on the role of head coach for the Jamaica national team.
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