New Manchester United boss Erik ten Hag is starting to see his team line-up for his first season in charge come to fruition following Lisandro Martinez ’s arrival at the club after an agreement was reached with Ajax.
The arrival of the Argentine international follows on the signing of Tyrell Malacia from Feyenoord and the arrival of Christian Eriksen as a free agent following the expiration of his contract at Brentford.
United have also agreed an initial transfer fee with Barcelona for the transfer of midfielder Frenkie de Jong. While that transfer has not yet been completed, United will not give up on a deal and remain hopeful of adding the Dutch international to their squad ahead of the new season getting underway next month.
Ajax forward Antony is said to lead United’s attacking transfer targets for Ten Hag who is keen to reunite with the 22-year-old – the Dutch side’s star player last season. United are said to be in pole position to land the Brazilian given his strong relationship with the Red Devils boss at the Amsterdam Arena while the player's representatives recently travelled to Europe in order to discuss a possible transfer this summer.
The arrivals of De Jong and Antony are likely to prove more complicated than the three deals United have already concluded, but they would cap what would be a perfect first summer for Ten Hag, who now looks to have the strongest line-up at his disposal.
All outfield positions would have competition for places with the arrival of Malacia providing competition for Luke Shaw and Alex Telles. It is yet unclear if the Dutch international will prove to be first choice in the position, but it could indicate an entire change of the left-side of defence.
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Martinez played almost exclusively as a left-sided central defender under Ten Hag last season, with his ability for playing out from the back and his aerial ability – defying his height – valuable in that position. The coach’s insistence on his signing indicates that he is likely to be a starter next season, prompting the question of whether he will play alongside Harry Maguire or Raphael Varane in the heart of the defence.
Victor Lindelof would still be in contention for the position, while Eric Bailly, Axel Tuanzebe and Phil Jones are all likely to be available for transfer. Maguire, who retains the club captaincy, is likely to be a regular starter in Ten Hag’s defence. Diogo Dalot looks set to continue in the right-back position ahead of Aaron Wan-Bissaka.
The arrivals of Eriksen and, theoretically, De Jong would revolutionise the midfield options after a reliance on Fred and Scott McTominay. Paul Pogba, Nemanja Matic and Andreas Pereira have all left the club while it is likely to be De Jong plus one other in the heart of midfield, with Fred the likeliest to compliment the Dutch midfielder due to his work rate, willingness to get forward and being left-footed.
Martinez could also be utilised in a holding midfield role alongside De Jong or another, with Maguire and Varane continuing their central defensive partnership from last season. The Argentine’s arrival greatly increases the different combinations that can be used in the core of Ten Hag’s side.
In attack, Bruno Fernandes and Jadon Sancho are likely to continue to be regulars with Marcus Rashford and Anthony Martial also pushing for game-time. The potential arrival of Antony would likely mean the Brazilian is utilised on the right-side of attack with Sancho switching to the left – the side Rashford is most comfortable playing.
Cristiano Ronaldo ’s future will also play a part – should the Portuguese superstar exit, Martial, Rashford and Alejandro Garnacho’s first-team opportunities would be boosted, in what would be a more fluid front three.
Provisional Man Utd line-up for 2022/23 season : De Gea; Dalot, Maguire, Varane, Malacia; De Jong, Eriksen; Antony, Fernandes, Sancho; Ronaldo
