Ajax identified Lisandro Martinez's passing ability on the left side of defence back in 2017 as a real quality with Manchester United now reaping those rewards.
The Argentine moved to Amsterdam in 2019 after impressing in his homeland and, after three years, Erik ten Hag spent over £50m to bring him to Old Trafford. Already Martinez has begun establishing himself at the heart of United's defence, forming a partnership with Raphael Varane.
On Thursday night Martinez once again teamed up with Varane to help the Red Devils record a clean sheet against FC Sheriff in the Europa League. The centre-half's ability with the ball at his feet helps United begin attacks, which is exactly what Ajax's scouting report from January 2017 identified, as reports the MEN.
It read: "He plays as a left centre back and has a good technique with pinpoint short and long passes." That is what Martinez has done since moving to Manchester, despite early reservations regarding his height and his ability to adapt to England's top flight.
Ten Hag has said previously: “We have good players there but I think we need a squad that is also good and deep. I analysed and United last year were quite vulnerable over the left part of the defence. [Lisandro Martinez] is left-footed and that is an advantage in possession but also in defending.
“He also brings a South American spirit, a controlled aggressiveness. I think it will fit really good to Manchester United and our way of playing."
The United boss has also commented to Sky Sports that: “Martinez is a different type. He’s a warrior, he brings aggressiveness, but he can also play football and has a good left foot. That is also what you need in the balance of the team, players who can create and also players who can defend.”
Martinez spoke after Thursday's win in Moldova and told MUTV : ''Tonight we had to win as we needed the three points. It was very important to us. We work very hard everyday in training and today [Jadon] Sancho scored a fantastic goal. But also how we played was fantastic, as I think everyone touched the ball and then Sancho finished it. It was a fantastic finish and everyone celebrated it.''
He also added on the fan support: ''I am a little bit surprised by that, but at the same time I feel proud to come here, the best club in the world and for the people to say 'Argentina, Argentina' for me it is amazing."
