Manchester United have decided not to fly new signings Christian Eriksen and Lisandro Martinez out to Australia to take part in the closing stages of their pre-season tour.
After a slow start to the summer transfer window that sparked unrest amongst supporters, the Red Devils are now starting to begin their rebuild under Erik ten Hag. The former Ajax boss has made it clear that he wants to bring in players that he has worked with previously or knows well.
Thus, reuniting with Martinez and signing former Ajax and Tottenham playmaker Eriksen hardly raised eyebrows. However, their plans for the pair have already taken a hit.
United were hopeful that they would complete both transfers with enough time for them to fly out to join up with their new teammates in Australia. However, Metro reports that both players will instead train at Carrington once Martinez’s move is confirmed as club chiefs feel it 'does not make sense' for them to embark on a long-haul flight for just a week's worth of training.
Argentina international Martinez announced his transfer on Friday evening when he posed with his agent on a private jet flying to Manchester. The versatile 24-year-old will provide some much-needed quality in several areas of the pitch that Ten Hag is looking to strengthen.
Martinez is usually deployed as a central defender but can play as a holding midfielder as well as a left-back – which somewhat justifies why the club are willing to fork out £46million for his services. While Arsenal were also in the race for the defender, his history with Ten Hag has been cited as a key reason for why he pushed for a move to Old Trafford rather than the Emirates Stadium.
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United also had to fend off interest from elsewhere to secure the signature of Eriksen, who joined the club as a free agent on a three-year contract on Friday. Brentford, who signed him on a short-term contract last season, were desperate to retain the Denmark international and tabled an offer that was heavily considered by the midfielder.
Newcastle, Tottenham and Everton were also linked with Eriksen – though the Bees and United were the final two teams that the playmaker narrowed his choices down to. Speaking after his arrival at the club, Eriksen said: “Manchester United is a special club, and I cannot wait to get started.
“I have had the privilege of playing at Old Trafford many times but to do it in the red shirt of United will be an amazing feeling. I have seen Erik’s work at Ajax and know the level of detail and preparation that he and his staff put into every day. It is clear that he is a fantastic coach.
“Having spoken with him and learned more about his vision and the way he wants the team to play, I am even more excited for the future. I still have major ambitions in the game, there is a huge amount that I know I can achieve, and this is the perfect place to continue my journey.”
