Lisandro Martinez allegedly squared up to Ajax technical director Gerry Hamstra and labelled him a "f***ing nobody" in order to push through his move to Manchester United.
The 24-year-old Argentine sealed a £55million transfer to Old Trafford in July but the deal only came to fruition after drawn-out negotiations between the two clubs, as Ajax were desperate to keep their star defender. Martinez was left infuriated by just how persistent the Dutch giants were to keep him and Hamstra felt his wrath during a heated exchange at the club's stadium.
Dutch newspaper De Telegraaf claim that the Argentina international went nose-to-nose with the Ajax chief at their Johan Cruyff ArenA and demanded they let him reunite with newly-appointed United manager Erik ten Hag. Martinez then used the expletive, directed at Hamstra, adding that he's "alone" since former technical director Marc Overmars left Ajax in controversial circumstances.
Thankfully for the diminutive defender, his switch to Old Trafford was confirmed a matter of days after the alleged incident, signing a five-year contract which keeps him with the Red Devils until 2027. But life in Manchester hasn't been easy for Martinez, as he endured a nightmare start to his time in a United shirt.
Being targeted by both Brighton and Brentford in his first two games as Ten Hag's side suffered back-to-back losses, the 5ft 9in centre-back appeared not to be cut out for the Premier League. Fast forward another two matches and Martinez remarkably looks an inspired signing, picking up the Man of the Match award in victories over Liverpool and Southampton.
The Copa America winner was also named the Red Devils' Player of the Month for August by fans, beating out fellow new signing Tyrell Malacia and the experienced Raphael Varane. There's still a sourness surrounding his decision to swap Amsterdam for Manchester, though, with former Ajax teammate Antony having followed in his own £84m deal to leave the Eredivisie champions.
Ten Hag's asset-stripping hasn't gone down well at his old club, but the Red Devils boss will be delighted to take two of his best players with him to Old Trafford. With Martin Dubravka due to be announced as United's sixth signing of the summer transfer window before it slams shut at 11pm, Ten Hag is happy to conclude his business - for now.
Get involved! Will Martinez prove to be worth his price tag? Give us your prediction in the comments section .
"I think we've strengthened the squad, clear. As a manager you want always more," the Dutchman explained ahead of the Red Devils' trip to face Leicester City on Thursday. "What I demand from my players, I have to show it myself as well. You want to always maximise.
"But at a certain point you have also to be satisfied with what is there and it's also then about development. Development of the team, development of the individuals to get this team stronger, to get the team more consistency. To bring more quality and that is what we have to work for now: me, together with my coaches and of course togetherness with the team."
