Rio Ferdinand believes Lisandro Martinez will be utilised in midfield just as much as in defence at Manchester United.
United are set to make Ajax star Martinez the third new addition to Erik ten Hag's squad following the arrivals of left-back Tyrell Malacia from Feyenoord and the signing of free agent Christian Eriksen on Friday, following the playmaker's exit from Brentford.
The Argentine has arrived in Manchester, after United agreed a £46milion deal with the Dutch champions, to complete his medical and put pen to paper on a five-year deal. Martinez' arrival will see Ten Hag finally bolster his centre-back options.
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However, the versatile 24-year-old is also capable of playing in a holding midfield role and did so on plenty of occasions for Ten Hag in Amsterdam. Even though he hasn't played in the position for a couple of years now, Ferdinand believes he could reprise the role at Old Trafford.
“I think they’ll be a mix (where Martinez will play). He’s very comfortable playing both positions," he said on his VIBE with Five podcast. “I think he could play in there [midfield] quite easily. I think they’ll pick and choose the games, and mix it up for when it suits them.
“If it suits them to play him in midfield and have the extra body and resilience in there, in front of the back four and that extra protection from someone who knows how to defend – then I think it may be utilised.
“But if we’ve got a lot of the ball and we’re expected to dominate possession against the so-called lesser teams then he may not be called upon in that position [midfield] and he may slot back into centre-back position or maybe not start at all. He gives us more options and that’s what we need in there.”
Ferdinand likes what he sees from Martinez and thinks it's another promising acquisition for his former club. He added: “I think he’s a good signing.
"The more I’ve looked into him the better. He has the character, he’s a leader and he demands off other people. He can get physical, he’s very aggressive but can also play.”
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